Whether you're looking to start a career, gain a qualification, develop professional skills or earn while you learn, we have a range of courses to help you achieve your goals.
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If you're looking to...
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Check out our...
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Gain an entry-level qualification for working or volunteering with children and young people
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Build new skills and support your professional development
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Develop sector-specific skills to help you start a career working with children and young people
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Earn while you learn and gain valuable workplace experience
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Most of our courses are free of charge, subject to eligibility criteria. For more information about eligibility, please visit our Support for Learners page.
Click the drop down boxes below for more information:
To get more information of book a place please see drop down menus below.
This in person course is for people interested in volunteering or working in schools with the opportunity to develop your knowledge on the delivery of the national curriculum, understanding of the school structure, behaviour management and much more.
These is an accredited course for those interested in working in nursery or school settings.
The structure and delivery of the course’s curriculum will enable you to develop your skills in supporting and assisting in nurseries and schools. It will prepare you for progression on to Level 2 course. The course will improve your knowledge of the role of a school helper and assist in your own progression to further learning.
After this course has finished you may like to enrol on Level 2 course. Information will be given before the end of the course to help you choose your next steps.
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When |
Where |
Time |
Length |
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7th Sept - 7th Dec 2026 |
Skills Centre, Darlington |
9:30am - 12:30pm |
13 weeks |
Please contact us to register your interest, or apply online below.
Please bring:
This course is free of charge.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
This course is for those interested in beginning a career in early years and working with children, their childcare and education. You will learn the value of play, the roles and responsibilities of an early years practitioner and manager, and the organisation, plus much more.
This course is for people wanting to work with children up to the ages of 5 years, gaining basic knowledge of childcare in early years environments.
The course will develop your skills in the basics of childcare (up to 5 years of age).
This course covers the value of play, roles and responsibilities of carers and volunteers and the importance of developing links in the local community.
When you finish this course, you can continue to the Level 2 Early Years Educator course.
Please contact us to register your interest - next course to be confirmed
Please bring:
This course is free of charge.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].
This in-person course is for people looking to build on their Level 1 Preparing to Work in Schools qualification. You will gain a deeper understanding of roles and responsibilities in schools, equality and diversity, teaching and learning styles, and much more.
These is an accredited course for those who wish to build upon their Level 1 Preparing to Work in Schools qualification and are considering a career as a teaching assistant in a school or college.
The structure and delivery of the course’s curriculum will enable you to develop your skills in supporting and assisting in nurseries and schools, as well as colleges.
It will prepare you for progression to become a Teaching Assistant and improve your knowledge of the role of a Teaching Assistant.
After this course has finished you may like to apply for a Level 3 qualification. Information will be given before the end of the course to help you choose your next steps.
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When |
Where |
Time |
Length |
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9th Sept 2026 - 10th Feb 2027 |
Skills Centre, Darlington |
9:30am - 12:30pm |
20 weeks |
Please bring:
This course is free of charge.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
This is a CPD course that will highlight the importance of equality and inclusion, through implementation of reasonable adjustments for individuals , including recognising and applying supportive practices to reduce barriers, and support equal access.
This is a short course that will be taught online in your own time.
This course is for anyone who would like to upskill within their current role or who would like to add Continuing Professional Development to their current CV in regards to this area.
The course intent is to highlight the main aspects of equality and diversity and the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace, in society and in communities.
You could continue onto one of our many other Distance Learning or CPD courses, depending on your pathway of choice such as:
Or you may want to achieve a qualification in Maths, English or ICT. Many free courses will be made available to you at the end of this course.
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
This is a CPD course that will highlight the importance of effective communication when working with people with autism and learning disabilities. It will explore the best communication methods and to ensure practice is inclusive through the implementation of reasonable adjustments for individuals to reduce barriers, and support equal access.
This is a short course that will be taught online in your own time.
This course is for anyone who would like to upskill within their current role or who would like to add Continuing Professional Development to their current CV in regards to this area.
The course intent is to highlight the main aspects of equality and diversity and the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace, in society and in communities.
You could continue onto one of our many other Distance Learning or CPD courses, depending on your pathway of choice such as:
Or you may want to achieve a qualification in Maths, English or ICT. Many free courses will be made available to you at the end of this course.
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
This is a CPD course that is designed to help you learn about the various types of bullying, cyber bullying and factors that are likely to put a child at greater risk. This course will also help you develop an understanding of legislation regarding bullying and discrimination and the procedure that should be followed when incidents are reported.
This is a short course that will be taught online in your own time.
This course is aimed at those seeking to understand or improve their knowledge of the bullying and discrimination in children and young people.
The course intent is to give you the knowledge and skills to recognise the signs of bullying and discrimination in children and young people.
You could continue onto one of our many other Distance Learning or CPD courses, depending on your pathway of choice. Or you may want to achieve a qualification in Maths, English or ICT. Many free courses will be made available to you at the end of this course.
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&s@darlington
This course is great for people interested in nutrition, and healthy eating, including knowledge and understanding needed to live a healthy lifestyle, eating habits, health issues, food hygiene, nutrition and food safety
It is recommended that learners interested in this course have or are working towards an English qualification at GCSE level.
This course will take place online so that you can learn from the comfort of your home.
The course intent is to equip you with the knowledge you may need to start saving, to budget your incomings and outgoings, prioritise needs over wants, how to obtain finance, how to improve your credit rating and more.
You will learn all about:
You could continue onto one of our many other Distance Learning or CPD courses, depending on your pathway of choice such as:
Or you may want to achieve a qualification in Maths, English or ICT. Many free courses will be made available to you at the end of this course.
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
This is a CPD course that is designed to help you learn essential skills for your workplace. You will learn more about safeguarding practices and how to respond to safeguarding issues. This is a short course that will be taught online in your own time.
This course is for anyone who would like to understand safeguarding practices and how to respond to safeguarding issues.
The course intent is to give you the knowledge you need to understand the effect of and main issues surrounding the safeguarding of adults and children. This includes how to recognise, respond to and reduce the likelihood of abuse.
You could continue onto one of our many other Distance Learning or CPD courses, depending on your pathway of choice. Or you may want to achieve a qualification in Maths, English or ICT. Many free courses will be made available to you at the end of this course.
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
This is a CPD course that is designed to help you recognise the effects of suicide and suicidal thoughts on affected individuals, their loved ones and wider society. They will also understand how to recognise the effects of suicidal behaviour in children, young people and adults and how to support these individuals
This is a short course that will be taught online in your own time.
This course is aimed at those seeking to understand or improve their knowledge of the awareness of suicide and its prevention.
The course intent is to give you the knowledge and awareness of suicide and its prevention.
You could continue onto one of our many other Distance Learning or CPD courses, depending on your pathway of choice. Or you may want to achieve a qualification in Maths, English or ICT. Many free courses will be made available to you at the end of this course.
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&s@darlington
This is a CPD course that is designed to help you learn essential skills for your workplace. You will learn about the legal definitions of consent, the importance of gaining consent, the significance of consent in an educational setting and more. This is a short course that will be taught online in your own time.
This course is aimed at staff in an educational setting seeking to improve their knowledge of consent. Those studying qualifications in the counselling, community work, youth work or volunteering sectors may also find this course useful.
The course intent is to improve employees knowledge around consent.
You could continue onto one of our many other Distance Learning or CPD courses, depending on your pathway of choice. Or you may want to achieve a qualification in Maths, English or ICT. Many free courses will be made available to you at the end of this course.
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
This online course is for people who currently or are looking to work with children and young people and require the qualification for their role. You will learn the principles of bullying, how to recognise bullying and how to report it. As this course is taught online, you can learn in your own time and set your own deadlines.
This course is suitable for all members of the public, aged 19+, who currently, or are looking to, work with children and young people. The course is tailored to those requiring the qualification for their work role.
The course intent aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of bullying, including how to recognise that bullying is taking place and how to take action to stop it. This qualification covers the definitions of bullying and cyber bullying, legislation that relates to bullying, the effects of bullying on children and young people and how to act when bullying is identified. Please note: The course focuses entirely on children and young people and is not relevant to anyone interested in an awareness of bullying in adults.
The course will cover four sections:
You could continue onto one of our many other courses, depending on your pathway of choice: upskill your functional skills with our Maths, English or ICT courses, develop your ICT skills for the workplace or you may decide to complete any of the other Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you to support your pathway within or towards employment.
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
This online course is for those who want an introduction to childcare and development and require the qualification for their current role or future employment. You will learn about children’s development, the value of play, safeguarding, and using food and nutrition information to plan a healthy diet. As this course is taught online, you can learn in your own time and set your own deadlines.
This qualification is suitable for learners who want an introduction to childcare and development. This course is tailored to those requiring the qualification for their current work role or future employment.
The intent of this qualification is to give you a basic understanding of childcare, education, babysitting and parenting responsibilities. It will also help you to make an informed choice about working with children and young people and prepare for further learning within the early years sector.
The course will cover five sections:
You could continue onto one of our many other courses, depending on your pathway of choice: upskill your functional skills with our Maths, English or ICT courses, develop your ICT skills for the workplace or you may decide to complete any of the other Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you to support your pathway within or towards employment.
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
This online course is for those who would like to increase their knowledge of common childhood illnesses. You will learn about how to provide a safe and healthy environment for babies and young children, the types of common childhood illnesses and specific health conditions in early years settings. As this course is taught online, you can learn in your own time and set your own deadlines.
The course is for anyone who would like to increase their knowledge of common childhood illnesses. The qualification is suitable for learners aged 19 or above.
The structure of the course’s curriculum will enable learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of common childhood illnesses to enable them to support the development and wellbeing of infants and children they support / care for.
The course will cover providing a safe and healthy environment for babies and young children, understanding common childhood illnesses, and health emergencies and specific health conditions in early years settings.
Learners may wish to continue to courses in health or childcare.
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with special educational needs and disabilities? If so, this Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disability (RQF) Course is ideal for you.
You'll explore many different aspects of SEND, including the symptoms of specific conditions, legislation and guidance applicable to individuals with SEND, and how such conditions affect individuals in daily life. This knowledge will be invaluable in your personal or professional life, whether you're seeking to improve your own understanding of SEND or looking to support others who are affected by it.
This course is for anyone who wishes to develop an in-depth knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly in order to continue into related employment in education or health and social care settings. Anyone who currently works in the Education Sector and Health and Social Care Sector would also benefit from the course, as well as anyone with a personal need for or interest in developing a more detailed understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The topics covered by this course are:
A career within schools, nurseries and childcare provider settings for such roles but not limited to Teaching Assistant, Support Worker, nursery/preschool worker and more. In addition. this may also be useful for those working in the Health and care sector with individuals who have SEND requirements.
You could also study:
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
This online course is for those who require the qualification for their current role, and wish to develop a deeper understanding of autism and how to support individuals with autism. You will learn the principles of support, the influence of positive communication methods, and how individuals with autism can be supported to live healthy and fulfilled lives. As this course is taught online, you can learn in your own time and set your own deadlines.
This qualification is designed for learners who wish to develop an understanding of autism and how to support individuals with autism. It is useful for learners who provide direct support and those working in sectors such as: This course is tailored to those requiring the qualification for their work role.
The intent of this course’s curriculum is to enable learners to develop an understanding of autism and the principles of supporting individuals with autism. It can open up avenues to employment, develop and enhance a current job role or develop confidence in supporting individuals living with autistic spectrum condition. This course also aims to support learners in progressing onto further learning.
This qualification aims to develop learners’ understanding of autism and the principles of supporting individuals with autism - covering the person-centred approach and influence of positive communication methods, how to support positive behaviour and how individuals with autism can be supported to live healthy and fulfilled lives.
The objective of this qualification is to help learners to develop their skills within employment in a variety of sectors, and in a number of job roles where an understanding of autism and knowledge of how to support people with autism is required.
Throughout this qualification specification, as in the Department of Health Adult Autism Strategy, we’ve used the term ‘autism’ as an umbrella term for all autistic spectrum conditions, including Asperger syndrome.
After this course has finished you may like to continue onto courses such as:
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
This online course is for people who require the qualification for their current role. The course covers understanding children’s behaviour and how to assess it, learning disabilities and sensory issues, the principles of intervention and more. As this course is taught online, you can learn in your own time and set your own deadlines.
This qualification is suitable for all members of the public, aged 19+, who wish to gain a better understanding of behaviour that challenges in children, including how such behaviour can be assessed and the avoidance techniques that can help minimise the effects of behaviour that challenge. This course is tailored to those requiring the qualification for their work role.
The course intent is aimed to provide you with a detailed understanding of behaviour that challenges in children, including how such behaviour can be assessed and the avoidance techniques that can help minimise the effects of behaviour that challenges. You will look at how different co-existing conditions, such as a learning disability, a mental health condition, sensory issues and autism, can effect behaviour that challenges and how to support those children who experience these complex behaviours.
This course will cover six sections:
You could continue onto one of our many other courses, depending on your pathway of choice: upskill your functional skills with our Maths, English or ICT courses, develop your ICT skills for the workplace or you may decide to complete any of the other Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you to support your pathway within or to employment.
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
The content of this course is very sensitive in nature and may be emotionally challenging. If anything you see or read in this course makes you upset or worried because you recognise the signs in yourself or others, please seek support either from the course tutor or another trusted source.
This course is for those who require the qualification for their current role, and want an increased awareness and understanding of domestic abuse. You will learn about the signs and risk factors of domestic abuse, its effect, and the relative policy, response and intervention. This course is delivered online, but you will be required to attend the learning centre for bespoke classroom-based lessons.
This qualification is designed to increase learners’ awareness and understanding of domestic abuse and its impact. The courses is open to adults aged 19+ and tailored to those needing a qualification in this area for their work role.
The intent of this qualification is intended to give learners knowledge to support their professional role in this context. The need for education and training across sectors to enable identification of abuse, allocation of support and referral is a recurring theme within regional domestic abuse strategies.
Awareness of domestic abuse and its effect is important for those working in a wide range of sectors such as healthcare, social care, childcare, education, and housing. There is a need to understand the issues, report on those who may be at risk and support signposting to relevant services. This qualification is intended to give learners knowledge to support their role in this context.
This course is comprised of four units:
You could continue onto one of our many other courses, depending on your pathway of choice: upskill your functional skills with our Maths, English or ICT courses, develop your ICT skills for the workplace or you may decide to complete any of the other Distance Learning or CPD courses that will be made available to you to support your pathway within or towards employment.
This course is free.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected]
This course is for people working or wishing to work in early years education and care, particularly with children from birth to 5 years old. You will learn about communicating with children, health and safety, safeguarding and much more. This course is delivered online, but you will be required to attend the learning centre for bespoke classroom-based lessons.
This qualification is suitable for a range of learners, either working or wishing to work in early years education and care.
This courses helps you to gain the understanding and skills you need to demonstrate to be considered qualified to support young children from birth to 5 years old.
This course will cover the following mandatory units:
You may gain employment within a relevant sector and/or decide to continue into higher education. You will also be given information and guidance to continue onto other courses with Learning & Skills such as the Level 3 Diploma for the Childrens Workforce (Early Years Educator) or Distance Learning and CPD courses.
You will also be required to provide the following:
This course is free of charge
This course is for those who are interested in working in the health and social care or education sector. You will learn about autism and behaviour legislation, best practice in the context of autism, the diagnosis and management of autism, and much more. This course is delivered online, but you will be required to attend the learning centre for bespoke classroom-based lessons.
This qualification is designed for anyone Interested in working in the health and social care or education sector. This course is ideal if you wish to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of autism which would support your progression into employment in the health and social care or education sector
This course intent is aimed to provide you with thorough knowledge and understanding of autism. It will equip you with the skills needed to provide the required support for individuals with autism. This course is ideal for anyone who is interested in employment within the Health and Social care sector.
This course will cover 5 separate units:
You may gain employment within a relevant sector and/or decide to continue into higher education. You will also be given information and guidance to continue onto other courses with Learning & Skills such as Distance Learning and CPD courses.
This online course is for those working in roles that offer specialist support for pupils’ learning in primary, secondary or special schools, or colleges. You will learn all aspects of specialist support, including planning, delivering and reviewing assessment strategies, bilingual support, personal development and reflective practice, and more. This is a roll on/roll off course, so you may start at any point in the year.
This qualification is aimed at learners working in roles that offer specialist support for pupils’ learning in primary, secondary or special schools, as well as colleges.
This qualification provides learners with an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children and young people in school and college environments. It covers all aspects of specialist support including planning, delivering and reviewing assessment strategies to support learning alongside the teacher; bilingual support; special needs support; and personal development and reflective practice.
You may gain employment within a relevant sector and/or decide to continue into higher education. You will also be given information and guidance to continue onto other courses with Learning & Skills such as Distance Learning and CPD courses.
You will also be required to provide the following:
This online course is for those working or wishing to work in early years education and care. You will work through many mandatory units, including understanding how to support children who are unwell, how to support children with additional needs, how to promote children’s speech, language and communication, and many more.
This qualification is suitable for a range of learners, either working or wishing to volunteer in an early years setting.
The Level 3 Early Years Educator prepares learners to become Early Years Educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years. Upon achievement of this qualification, it is intended that learners will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators.
This course will cover the following mandatory units:
You may gain employment within a relevant sector and/or decide to continue into higher education. You will also be given information and guidance to continue onto other courses with Learning & Skills such as Distance Learning and CPD courses.
You will also be required to provide the following:
Are you passionate about helping children and young people learn, develop and achieve their potential? Our Children and Young People Pathway Programme is designed to give you the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to begin a rewarding career in childcare, early years, education or residential and support services.
Whether you're considering your first role in the sector, returning to work or exploring a new career, this programme will help you build confidence, gain recognised qualifications and develop the practical skills employers are looking for.
During the programme, you can work towards a variety of pathways suitable for your goals :
You'll also learn about:
The programme goes beyond the classroom and includes:
These enrichment activities will help you understand the sector, build your confidence and develop practical experience to support your career goals.
This pathway can help you progress into:
Further Training and Qualifications
Apprenticeship Opportunities
The pathway can provide a foundation for careers such as:
This programme is ideal for:
See upcoming courses or contact us to register your interest.
Working with children and young people is a rewarding career that allows you to support learning, development and wellbeing while helping to shape future generations.
Take the first step towards a meaningful and fulfilling career. Gain the skills, qualifications and experience needed to succeed in the children and young people's workforce.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].
Do you want to make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people? Our Fostering Pathway Programme is designed to help you develop the knowledge, understanding and confidence needed to support children, young people and families, while exploring opportunities within fostering, childcare and children's services.
Whether you are interested in becoming a foster carer in the future, volunteering with children and families, or progressing into childcare and support roles, this programme provides an excellent foundation to begin your journey.
The programme includes valuable enrichment activities such as:
Throughout the programme you will build:
This pathway can support progression into:
This programme is ideal for:
See upcoming courses or contact us to register your interest.
Children and young people thrive when they have positive role models, support and encouragement. This programme will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to explore rewarding opportunities that make a real difference to the lives of children and families.
Take the first step towards a rewarding career in customer service and unlock new opportunities for your future.
If you require help with the form please contact us on 01325 405601, 07932 869325 or l&[email protected].
Find out more about our apprenticeship courses or have a look at our current apprenticeship vacancies
If you have any queries about our children and young people courses, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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