First Steps to Working in Schools

What is this course about?

Thinking about working in a primary school? This friendly, introductory course is the perfect place to start.

You’ll explore what it’s really like to work in a school environment and build the confidence to take your first steps into roles such as teaching assistant, classroom helper or midday supervisor.

Throughout the course, you’ll:

Learn how primary schools are structured and what is expected of staff

Understand key safeguarding responsibilities and why they matter

Explore practical behaviour management strategies

Gain insight into how maths and phonics are taught today

Discover how to find school-based roles and create a strong application

By the end, you’ll feel better prepared, more confident, and ready to move forward.

Any previous experience/qualifications you need to do the course

You’ll need a good level of spoken and written English to take part fully in activities and discussions.

What you need to bring with you

You must have a tablet or laptop with a working camera that can access Google Classroom

Please note that this is a live interactive online course for adults, learners will be expected to have their camera on and participate fully at all times.

Who is the course for?

This course is ideal for anyone interested in supporting children in a primary school setting, such as a classroom helper, teaching assistant, learning support assistant, midday supervisor or volunteer.

The next steps....

During this workshop we will talk to you about your next steps which could include attending other workshops or courses such as Public Speaking & Presentation Skills or a qualification course such as the L1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools or a functional skills English course.

Please click here to see the full range of courses we offer.

We have programmes that can support you with your next steps in skills and employment. For further information please see our information, advice and guidance page.

How you will be assessed

You’ll track your progress through short weekly reflections, helping you recognise your learning and build confidence as you go.

How much studying will I need to do outside the lesson?

There may be optional activities you can complete at home to deepen your understanding and practise your new skills.