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

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 31/01/2025 -
Fri 27/06/2025
Location:
Ann Tayler Children's Centre (Hackney)
1-13 Triangle Road
Off Westgate Street
Hackney
E8 3RP
Course code:
Q00017734
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Get Ready for Award in Support Work in Schools

This course aims to prepare you for support work in Schools and Colleges. You'll gain an overview of the different kinds of education provisions, the needs of the children and / or young people, and be introduced to the importance of developing professional relationships.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 05/02/2025 -
Wed 19/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
St Pauls Learning Centre (Bristol)
94 Grosvenor Road
St Pauls
Bristol
BS2 8XJ
Tutor:
Sasha Novikova
Course code:
Q00009888
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

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. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. If you would like to do the NCFE Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2 (Q00015525). You will first need to enrol on Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Information and study skills L2. Q00015649. You will then be asked to complete a BKSB Initial Assessment. If you have L1 English you will be offered the course.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 25/02/2025 -
Tue 01/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
17 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Kailash Parekh
Course code:
Q00015525
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 28/02/2025 -
Fri 25/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
20 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Sharon Reay
Course code:
Q00018974
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 06/03/2025 -
Thu 06/03/2025
Times:
9:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00010520
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 18/03/2025 -
Thu 24/07/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
32 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00010848
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £355.20

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Support your child with Maths and English

Support your child's education with our Support Your Child with Maths and English course. Learn effective strategies and techniques to assist your child with their homework. Ideal for parents and carers looking to enhance their child's academic success.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 19/03/2025 -
Wed 26/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Ipswich County Library
Northgate Street
Ipswich
IP1 3DE
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018965
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 24/04/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Camborne Community Centre (Camborne)
South Terrace
Camborne
TR14 8SU
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00016159
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

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.
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Course Information

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


The courses below have already started, but are still available to book.

Support Work in Schools

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this introductory 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 working as a teaching assistant.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 01/08/2024 -
Thu 31/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000024
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress

Introduction to Early Years Settings

This introductory course is for anyone who wants to develop a basic knowledge of working with children up to the age of 5 in early years’ settings such as nurseries or pre-schools. You will understand the importance of communication and will gain confidence in applying skills and techniques that will engage children in their personal development. You will study activities that can stimulate children's growth and learning development in their early years. You will increase your confidence in caring for children in early years’ settings. To progress on to an accredited Early Years’ Course at the WEA, or other courses.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 26/11/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Woodpecker Hall Academy (London)
North Star Community Trust
Cuckoo Hall Lane
London
N9 8DR
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00011946
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00