Courses to work in schools, education or childcare 

Our free courses * can help you get ahead if you’re looking to work in a school, college or childcare provider. From exploring different jobs working with children to getting the job you want, we’ve got you covered. We have government-funded online courses for teaching assistants and nursery courses.  

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Working with children and young people

Find out about the wide range of jobs available in schools and build the skills you need to kickstart your career. Working in schools can be very rewarding. From lunchtime supervisors to teaching assistants, you’ll have a positive impact on young people’s lives.  

From helping out in schools to paid work

These courses are useful if you are volunteering or plan to work in education, as they help you gain more knowledge. We do a range of courses from short tasters to a free Level two teaching assistant qualification. 

Start a career in childcare

Explore work in childcare and discover the range of roles you can do in a childcare setting. Learn about early years education and what it is like to work with children. Find courses near you or look at our range of online childcare courses.  

Give yourself a boost

Build skills for childcare and schools. Develop your knowledge of special education needs (SEN), so you can support children with autism in education. Give yourself a boost when looking for dinner lady jobs or other jobs in a school.  

Jobseekers, career changers, and those already working in schools or nurseries - find your course today to build your skills. 

*Over 90% of applicants for skills courses do not need to pay a fee. Subject to status - courses are free for unemployed people, job seekers and people on low wage. If you do not qualify you will be alerted during the application process.

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Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

Gain a nationally recognised qualification in support work with this Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges. Ideal for individuals looking to start or progress their career in educational support roles.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Tue 22/04/2025
Times:
9:45am - 2:45pm
Duration:
20 sessions
Location:
St Georges Community Centre, Wakefield (
Broadway
Lupset
WAKEFIELD
WF2 8AA
Tutor:
Katherine Croft
Course code:
Q00010170
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Level 1 support work in schools and colleges

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our Level 1 Support Work in Schools and Colleges course. Learn the essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Emmanuel Church Aylsham (Aylsham)
Cawston Road
Aylsham
NR11 6BX
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018614
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.50

Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification and prepare to work in a variety of roles in education. Gain understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to work directly with children and young people. This qualification is for supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn core teaching skills that can be applied in various jobs. Some options include learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. It trains you to become a learning support practitioner. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. To join Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3 (Q00015527), Follow the eligibility criteria: You need to have the L2 Award. You need to apply on Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Information and study skills L3. Q00015650. You need to complete BKSB Initial Assessment and to qualify you will need to have L1 English.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
17 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kailash Parekh
Course code:
Q00015527
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Fee range
Free to £450.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Communication Skills for Support Staff

Develop effective communication skills for supporting students and staff with our Communication Skills for Support Staff course. Learn strategies for clear and empathetic communication in educational settings. Ideal for individuals working in or aspiring to work in support roles in schools.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Fri 29/11/2024
Times:
9:00am - 11:00am
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018602
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.00

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to Helping in a School Level 1 - Pathways

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our SWAP Introduction to Helping in Schools Level 1 course. Learn the essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00017624
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £55.50

Working as a Teaching Assistant - Pathways Taster

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this taster course is for you. Teaching assistants are an integral part of the classroom. Not only do they provide vital support for pupils, they support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about becoming a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specialising in certain areas such as specific learning needs and other disability support.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 09/11/2024 -
Sat 09/11/2024
Times:
9:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
WEA London Office (London)
4 Luke Street
London
EC2A 4HB
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00010518
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10

Introduction to Helping in Schools

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our Introduction to Helping in Schools course. Learn the essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 12/11/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
WEA (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Mariam Sidat
Course code:
Q00017252
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Professional Development: Introduction to being a Teaching Assistant

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our Introduction to Being a Teaching Assistant course. Learn the essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 12/11/2024 -
Tue 03/12/2024
Times:
9:45am - 2:45pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Todmorden Learning Centre (Todmorden)
Burnley Road
Todmorden
OL14 7BX
Tutor:
Asia Bhatti
Course code:
Q00018424
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Supporting Autistic Children & Teens

Having a child or loved one receive an autism diagnosis can be worrying and unsettling. It’s difficult to know how best to support autistic children’s needs without external guidance. This autism course can teach you how to offer support to help autistic young people live healthy and fulfilling lives. This taster course is ideal for you if you have regular contact with autistic children or teenagers. It is aimed at parents, family members, community workers, or volunteers who interact closely with autistic kids. It can be useful both if you are going through diagnosis, and also if you feel you need extra resources to help support a developing autistic child.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 13/11/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00017617
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Heath and Social Care: Introduction to SEND for support workers

Gain essential knowledge for supporting students with special educational needs with our Introduction to SEND for Support Workers course. Learn about common SEND conditions and effective support strategies. Ideal for individuals working in or aspiring to work in educational support roles.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 14/11/2024 -
Thu 14/11/2024
Location:
Camborne Community Centre (Camborne)
South Terrace
Camborne
TR14 8SU
Course code:
Q00018079
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£25.20