Take the first step towards a career working with children and young people with one of our Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (STLS) or childcare qualifications. Courses run at different times throughout the year and some of the courses that are on offer are listed below.
To find out what's on offer right now please search for courses local to you on our Course Finder or Contact your local centre.
Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (STLS)
STLS introduction
Learners must attend this four-week course before they can progress to the level 2 course. You will learn more about the certificate programme, undertake an initial assessment in English and receive information, advice and guidance about your options. We will discuss your work/volunteer placements for the certificate course. You will need an enhanced disclosure DBS check before you can progress to the certificate level 2 course.
STLS level 2 certificate
This course is for volunteers and newly appointed teaching assistants. Learners need to spend at least ten hours per week working in the classroom. Learners must have previously attended the four-week introduction course. If this has not been attended, please contact the learning centre to discuss when and where the next introductory course will take place. Learners need ICT skills and a good level of written English skills.
STLS level 3 certificate
This level 3 course is ideal if you have significant experience as a school support worker and wish to move into a more specialised role – in administration, learning support and management.
Childcare qualifications
Introduction to skills for childcare level 2 award
If you are thinking of a career in childcare then this introduction course would give you an overview of what you can expect to learn as part of the skills for childcare level 2 award course. During the course you will find out about the types of topics and theory you will cover on the level 2 course along with discovering how to research, collect evidence and apply theory to practice. You do not need to be working in a childcare environment to attend this course. At the end of the course you will be able to make a decision about whether you wish to continue on to the full qualification course.
Skills for childcare level 2 award
Are you thinking of a career in childcare? This course would give you a good understanding of two of the most important aspects of working with children or young people. The course is an excellent starter qualification which, when you have achieved, could lead to a variety of employment opportunities. You do not need to be working in a childcare environment to attend this course.
Take a look at all working with children courses currently on offer