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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L2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Programme

This helping in schools programme is designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills to successfully complete your level 2 award in support work in schools and colleges. It consists of two parts, the main qualification which will be taught in the morning, followed by a short study skills session to support your learning. This qualification will teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in administration, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with children in teaching positions. The confidence training will prepare you to feel comfortable stepping back into the classroom. This part of the course will help you bridge the gaps in your confidence and overcome the obstacles standing in your way to get back into learning.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 14/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000111
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

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:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 08/01/2025
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 Preparing to Work in Schools Level 1

Get a view into the enriching world of teaching and learning. If you’d like to work in a school, with kids or in an admin role, this course is the perfect first step. Whether you plan to get a teaching qualification or just want a taster into the school environment, this course can teach you essential skills employers look for in school staff. In this course you’ll learn foundational concepts for working in a learning environment. It can help you decide whether a job at a school is right for you
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 02/04/2025
Times:
9:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Hull CVS
The Strand
75 Beverley Road
Hull
HU3 1XL
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018161
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Preparation for Level 2 Caring for Children and Young People

Have you completed an introductory or a Level 1 helping in schools’ course? Then this introductory course is right for you. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and study skills needed to prepare you for a Level 2 course. It will also provide you with the opportunity to practice using study skills such as quizzes, case studies and related texts. You will get the chance to discuss new topics with other learners and, ask and answer questions. You will also be given a brief outline of what you will learn on your course. Your tutor will give you constructive feedback to ensure you are ready for your next stage of learning.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 22/01/2025
Location:
Woodpecker Hall Academy (London)
North Star Community Trust
Cuckoo Hall Lane
London
N9 8DR
Course code:
Q00017558
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to support work in schools and colleges

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our Introduction to 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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 09/01/2025 -
Thu 09/01/2025
Location:
Ipswich County Library
Northgate Street
Ipswich
IP1 3DE
Course code:
Q00019001
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.50

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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Thu 22/05/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
45 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00010847
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £333.00

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:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 30/06/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
19 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Katherine Croft
Course code:
Q00018349
How you'll learn:
Online
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:
Wed 15/01/2025 -
Wed 19/03/2025
Times:
9:45am - 2:15pm
Duration:
28 sessions
Location:
The Phoenix Community Centre
Matson Lane
Gloucester
GL4 6DX
Tutor:
Kailash Parekh
Course code:
Q00016162
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: SWAP Introduction to Helping in Schools Level 1

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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 20/01/2025 -
Mon 10/02/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Norwich Central Baptist Church (Norwich)
Duke Street
Norwich
NR3 3AP
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018994
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: SWAP Introduction to Helping in Schools Level 1

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 20/01/2025 -
Thu 23/01/2025
Location:
Ipswich County Library
Northgate Street
Ipswich
IP1 3DE
Course code:
Q00018995
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00