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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Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Essential Skills for Childcare - NEW

This "Introduction to the Early Years Practitioner" course is designed for beginners seeking foundational knowledge in early childhood education and care. You will learn essential safeguarding procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children in Early Years settings. The course covers the development of babies and young children from birth to 7 years, with a focus on the crucial 0-5 years. Key topics include health and safety, safeguarding, special educational needs, and the promotion of play. A separate digital session is also arranged to get familiar with our Virtual Learning Platform, Canvas. Upon successful completion, you can progress to a Level 2 Qualification in Early Years Practitioner with WEA.
Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 10/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
St Matthews Neighbourhood Cntr (Library)
10 Malabar Road
Leicester
LE1 2PD
Tutor:
Chantal Ngounou
Course code:
Q00021920
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

Safeguarding Support in Schools

Ensure the safety and well-being of students with our Safeguarding Support in Schools course. Learn key principles and practices for safeguarding children in educational settings. Ideal for school staff and volunteers committed to child protection.
Dates:
Fri 16/05/2025 -
Fri 20/06/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00019007
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.00

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges

If you enjoy the buzz of learning environments, this qualification can teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This government-funded course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in admin, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with kids in teaching positions. It also provides you with the qualifications needed to work in admin at schools. No matter what role you’re interested in, this course can teach you skills for employability in schools and colleges.
Dates:
Sat 31/05/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00021533
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Award in Education and Training Level 3

Kickstart your education career with this introductory teaching qualification. Experience the buzz of learning environments and get a view into the profession. Learn essential teaching skills and open doors to further education jobs in this Education and Training course. This course prepares you for teaching jobs working with adults. These can include roles as a tutor, learning assistant, teaching assistant, or trainer in universities, Sixth Form colleges, or other adult learning settings. This Level 3 Award in Teaching and Education is the first step towards a fulfilling career in teaching. If you want to get a teaching qualification, this foundational course can give you a taste of the industry before you move onto higher level qualifications.
Dates:
Mon 02/06/2025 -
Wed 23/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00016044
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

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.
Dates:
Mon 09/06/2025 -
Tue 17/06/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Emma Paramor
Course code:
Q00018971
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

Safeguarding Support in Schools

Ensure the safety and well-being of students with our Safeguarding Support in Schools course. Learn key principles and practices for safeguarding children in educational settings. Ideal for school staff and volunteers committed to child protection.
Dates:
Thu 12/06/2025 -
Fri 13/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Emma Paramor
Course code:
Q00019008
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.00

Employability CEIAG

In this course you will learn about the responsibilities and expectations required of school staff as well as understand employment options available. This will enable you to make informed choices about the work experience and longer term schools based employment options available to you. You will also learn about the behaviour and responsibilities expected of school staff. Schools benefit from a variety of different staff that support the learning and welfare of pupils. In addition to the main teacher in each classroom, there are many other jobs inside and outside of lessons that contribute to how a school runs and how pupils learn. These jobs are typically called support roles, and make up half of the workforce in schools.
Dates:
Mon 16/06/2025 -
Wed 18/06/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
St Pauls Learning Centre (Bristol)
94 Grosvenor Road
St Pauls
Bristol
BS2 8XJ
Tutor:
Andrew Read
Course code:
Q00011605
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

Safeguarding Support in Schools

Ensure the safety and well-being of students with our Safeguarding Support in Schools course. Learn key principles and practices for safeguarding children in educational settings. Ideal for school staff and volunteers committed to child protection.
Dates:
Mon 16/06/2025 -
Tue 24/06/2025
Times:
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00019006
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.00

Personal Development: Introduction to Special Education

Gain essential knowledge for supporting students with special educational needs with our Introduction to Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) course. Learn about common SEND conditions and effective support strategies. Ideal for individuals working in or aspiring to work in educational support roles.
Dates:
Wed 18/06/2025 -
Wed 02/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00018932
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

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.
Dates:
Mon 23/06/2025 -
Tue 01/07/2025
Times:
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Emma Paramor
Course code:
Q00018970
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60