Creative, hobbies and daily living

Course summary

This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn the basics of sewing and develop practical skills they can use at home or build on in future projects. 

Who is the course for?

Each week, the course will work on a different technique, include hand stitching, hemming, and creating simple items like bunting or cushion covers. You’ll also learn how to use a range of equipment, including sewing machines, overlockers, and digital sewing machines. This course is taught in-person so you can get hands-on experience with the tools and materials for the most effective learning.

Entry requirements

• Aged 19+
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas

What is the curriculum intent of this course?

This course will support you in being able to learn the basics of sewing, techniques in a fun environment

What will the course cover?

• Basic sewing techniques
• Use of sewing machines, overlockers, and digital sewing machines
• Creating simple items e.g. bunting, cushion covers

What could I do when I have finished this course?

You could continue onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.

Where and when will I learn?

Please see below:

What do I need to bring with me?

You will not need to bring anything, simply roll your sleeves up and try something new or develop an existing skill.

How much will the course cost?

This course is free of charge.

What do I do next?

Apply for the​ course

If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]. 

Course summary

This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn how to create simple and affordable meals. The course will cover food costing comparisons, supermarket tricks and plenty of recipes, like homemade pizzas, quiche and soup. This course is taught in-person so you can get hands on with the cooking for the most effective learning.

Who is this course for?

This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn how to create simple and cheap meals.

Entry requirements

• Aged 19+
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas

What is the curriculum intent of this course?

This course will support you in being able to create delicious meals on a budget, meal plan and support with money saving top tips.

What will the course cover?

• Food costings comparisons
• Supermarket tricks
• Homemade pizzas and breads
• Perfect quiche and shortcrust pastry
• Homemade tomato sauce
• Various soups

What could I do when I have finished this course?

You could continue onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.

Where and when will I learn?

What do I need to bring with me?

You will not need to bring anything along to these sessions just roll your sleeves up and try something new or develop an existing skill.

How much will the course cost?

This course is free of charge.

What do I do next?

Apply for the​ course

If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]. 

Course summary

This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn about arts and crafts, and develop skills that will help their child’s motor and sensory skills. Each week, the course will look at a different craft and they will vary from course to course, but may include clay creations, needle felting and material canvas designs. This course is taught in-person so you can get hands on with the crafting for the most effective learning.

Who is this course for?

Anyone who is 19+

What entry requirements do I need to start the course?

• Aged 19+
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas

There are no entry requirements for this course, only the enthusiasm to learn about and develop skills that will help their child.

What is the curriculum intent of this course?

The structure and delivery of the course’s curriculum will enable you to help your child grow and learn. It aims to improve parent’s confidence and ability regarding the way they support and encourage their child’s motor and sensory skills.

What will the course cover? 

Each week, we will look at different craft skills and these will vary from course to course, for example:

• Clay Creations
• Needle Felting
• Material canvas designs

What could I do when I have finished this course?

After this course has finished you may like to join in with other Family Learning courses or adult learning courses, including Functional Skills English, Maths or ICT. You will be given information about other courses and guidance during this course.

Where and when will I learn?

What do I need to bring with me?

Please bring:

• a notepad
• a pen (or a digital device) to take notes

How much will the course cost?

This course is free of charge.

What do I do next?

Apply for the​ course

If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].

Course summary

This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to try their hand at creative writing in a friendly and encouraging environment. The course will cover specific writing techniques, creativity boosting writing exercise and how to write your own narrative. It is open to writers of all abilities and taught in-person so you can ask questions and get feedback freely.

Who is the course for?

Anyone who wants to try their hand at creative writing. Develop skills and techniques to produce descriptive and narrative pieces in a friendly and encouraging environment. Open to writers of all abilities.

Entry requirements

• Aged 19+
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas

What is the curriculum intent of this course?

This course will help you develop confidence and explore your creativity. Learn to use a range of techniques to produce written pieces.

What will the course cover?

• You will explore specific techniques for making your writing stand out.
• You will try out creativity boosting writing exercises.
• Write your own creative text demonstrating your narrative (story telling) or descriptive skills.

What could I do when I have finished this course?

You could continue onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.

Where and when will I learn?

This course runs term time only.

What do I need to bring with me?

You will not need to bring anything, simply roll your sleeves up and try something new or develop an existing skill.

How much will the course cost?

This course is free of charge.

What do I do next?

Apply for the​ course

If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]. 

Course summary

This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to try their hand at creating festive arts and crafts in a friendly and encouraging environment. 

Who is the course for?

Anyone who wants to try their hand at creating festive arts and crafts 

Entry requirements

• Aged 19+
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas

What is the curriculum intent of this course?

This course will support you in being able to create fun and quirky festive crafts.

What will the course cover?

• White clay decorations

• Needle felting Christmas decorations

• Macrame

• Decorated light up jars

• Pebble art on wooden circle

• Plus lots more

What could I do when I have finished this course?

You could continue onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.

Where and when will I learn?

What do I need to bring with me?

You will not need to bring anything, simply roll your sleeves up and try something new or develop an existing skill.

How much will the course cost?

This course is free of charge.

What do I do next?

Apply for the​ course

If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]. 

Course summary

Spring Arts, Crafts & Cooking is a creative and hands-on course designed to spark the joys of spring through DIY projects and delicious treats. From handmade decorations and gifts to spring baked goods. Come along and enjoy making, baking, and learning in a warm, fun, friendly group.

Entry requirements

• Aged 19+
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas

Who is the course for?

Anyone who is 19+

What is the curriculum intent of this course?

This course is designed to ignite creativity, nurture practical skills, through the joyful exploration of Spring. This hands-on, seasonal course engages learners in meaningful creative and culinary experiences that reflect the spirit of giving, celebration, and community.

What will the course cover?

• Creating homemade gift ideas
• Develop new skills
• Home baking ideas to give as gifts

What could I do when I have finished this course?

·   You could continue onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.

Where and when will I learn?

What do I need to bring with me?

Notebook and Pen

How much will the course cost?

This course is free of charge.

What do I do next?

If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]. 

Course summary

This course is for adults who would like to improve their first aid skills and create a safe environment in the home. It will look at first aid procedures, ways to create a safe home, resuscitation skills, how to handle an emergency situation and more. This course is taught in-person so you can ask questions and get feedback freely.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for those who would like to improve their First Aid skills and create a safe environment in their home.

What entry requirements do I need to start the course?

• Aged 19+
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas

What is the curriculum intent of this course?

The structure and delivery of the course’s curriculum will enable you to develop your skills in creating and maintaining a safer home, developing basic first aid skills, as well as supporting your own progression to further learning.

What will the course cover?

Each week we will work on different skills. The course covers:

• Recognition and first aid procedures for bleeding, choking, burns and scalds and much more
• Ways to create a safe environment in the home
• Resuscitation skills – CPR
• What to do in an emergency situation

What could I do when I have finished this course?

After this course has finished you may like to join in with other Family Learning courses or adult learning courses, including Functional Skills English, Maths or ICT. You will be given information about other courses and guidance during this course.

Where and when will I learn?

What do I need to bring with me?

Please bring:

• a notepad
• a pen (or a digital device) to take notes
• a file to store your work

How much will the course cost?

This course is free of charge.

What do I do next?

Apply for the​ course

If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].

Course summary

This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to build upon the basics of sewing and develop practical skills they can use at home or build on in future projects. 

Who is the course for?

This course will build upon the beginners course and look at more intermediate sewing techniques, such as garment alterations, adding zips/buttons and making a textile item. This course is taught in-person so you can get hands-on experience with the tools and materials for the most effective learning.

Entry requirements

• Aged 19+
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas

What is the curriculum intent of this course?

This course will support you in being able to learn the basics of sewing, techniques in a fun environment

What will the course cover?

• Intermediate sewing techniques
• Basic alterations on garments
• Adding zips and buttons
• Making a textile item

What could I do when I have finished this course?

You could continue onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.

Where and when will I learn?

How much will the course cost?

This course is free of charge.

What do I do next?

Apply for the​ course

If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]. 

Course summary

This course is for anybody with very basic literacy skills to develop their everyday reading and writing.

It will help to improve day to day communication and support progression into further learning, such as into Entry Level Functional Skills English.

Entry requirements

• Aged 19+
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas
• Ability to speak and read basic English

What is the curriculum intent of this course?

The structure and delivery of the course’s curriculum will enable you to develop your skills in reading and improve your reading skills in your day to day life, as well as encouraging you to read for pleasure.

It will also support your progression to further learning such as to Entry Level Functional Skills English courses.

What will the course cover?

The course will help you develop English reading skills at Entry Level.

This includes reading through various fun and engaging activities, as well as time to read independently.

What could I do when I have finished this course?

At the end of this course, you will be provided with information, advice and guidance on progression courses and other learning opportunities based on your interests and needs.

When you finish this course, you can continue to Functional Skills English at Entry level.

Where and when will I learn?

Please contact us to register you interested - next course to be confirmed

What do I need to bring with me?

Please bring the following:

• Pen
• Notebook

How much will the course cost?

This course is free of charge.

What do I do next?

Apply for the​ course

If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]

Course summary

Embark on a global culinary adventure in Round the World Cooking, this course celebrates diversity through food and equips learners with practical skills to recreate international meals at home. No prior cooking experience required—just bring your appetite and curiosity!

Who is the course for?

The course is for anyone age19 +. This free course is for 5 weeks at various venues and times across the town. 

Are you spending loads of money on takeaways but just love those delicious flavours? Looking for some healthier alternatives? 

This interesting and exciting course will give you the motivation to get you cooking these dishes from scratch. 

Each week, the group will prepare and cook dishes from a different country to take home.  A great way to save money and improve your health.

Entry requirements

• Aged 19+
• Have the right to live and work in the UK
• Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire or non devolved local authority areas

What is the curriculum intent of this course?

The course will support you to create delicious snacks and meals from around the world.

What will the course cover?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to: 

• Identify dishes from different countries and the ingredients used to make them.
• Increased cooking skills and confidence in the kitchen. 
• Increased knowledge about healthy eating and how this can be applied to a variety of recipes from around the world.
• Work out the cost of the dishes we have prepared.
• Save money on ingredients by discussing and sharing tips on food waste and sourcing cheap or free food in and around Darlington.

What could I do when I have finished this course?

You could continue onto one of our many other courses, such as Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you.

Where and when will I learn?

What do I need to bring with me?

You will not need to bring anything along to these sessions just roll your sleeves up and try something new or develop an existing skill.

How much will the course cost?

This course is free of charge.

What do I do next?

If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].