Early Years and Education courses
My confidence and knowledge are much stronger than before I started the Teaching Assistant course. I now feel confident enough to be working.
How will I be taught?
We have a wide range of delivery models for our early years and education courses. Some of these include classroom-based learning, online lessons, independent online study and sector-related work placements.
You will need a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC and a good internet connection to join the online sessions and/or access learning materials and resources between sessions. You will need access to a laptop or PC to complete assignments throughout the course.
Don’t worry if this is a new way of learning for you – our tutors will explain how online learning works and support you to do this. We also host Skill Up drop in workshops where you can brush up on your digital skills to help support your learning.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements vary for each of our courses and before you start you will be assessed to ensure you join the right level course for you.
You will be able to find more information about the requirements needed for your chosen course by contacting our support team on 0161 291 6733, dropping into your local adult learning centre or emailing us at maes.info@manchester.gov.uk.
Early years and Education Courses
Select the course that you are interested in from the list below to find out more.
On this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to support children and young people in their schools.
- Start date(s): September, January, April
- Duration: 16 weeks
- Location(s): Abraham Moss (September), Online (September), Withington (January), Gorton Hub (April)
- Day: Wednesday (Abraham Moss), Monday (Online, Withington and Gorton Hub)
- Time: 9:30am-11:45 (Abraham Moss and Gorton Hub), 12:30pm-2:45pm (Online and Withington)
Designed to stimulate interest in early years education, this course is ideal if you’re thinking of working in childcare. You will be encouraged to learn the skills and knowledge needed to care for young children.
- Start date(s): September
- Duration: 36 weeks
- Location(s): Abraham Moss, Sacred Heart
- Day: Wednesday (Abraham Moss), Thursday (Sacred Heart)
- Time: 9:30am-12:00pm
Through studying the Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to work, or volunteer, in a school or college setting.
- Start date(s): September, February
- Duration: 26 weeks (September), 13 weeks (February)
- Location(s): Abraham Moss and Online (September), Withington and Gorton Hub (February)
- Day: Wednesday (Abraham Moss), Monday (Online, Withington and Gorton Hub)
- Time: 12:30pm-3:00pm (Abraham Moss), 9:30am-12:00pm (Online and Withington), 9:30am-3:00pm (Gorton Hub)
*This class may also be available to study at The Forum, but the location, day and time are to be confirmed.
With this course you can expect to learn about children and young people’s development. You will develop the skills and knowledge to support those with disabilities or special educational needs in a college, primary/secondary or special needs school.
- Start date(s): September, January (fast track)
- Duration: 36 weeks (September), January (13 weeks)
- Location(s): Forum, Greenheys, Online (September), Greenheys (January)
- Day: Tuesday (Online, Greenheys – September), Thursday (Forum, Greenheys – January)
- Time: 9:15am-12:15pm (Online), 9:30am-12:30pm (Forum), 11:45am-2:45pm (Greenheys – September), 09:30am-3:00pm (Greenheys – January)
Gain the understanding and skills that a level 2 early years practitioner needs to demonstrate to be considered qualified to support young children from birth to 5 years old. You must be in paid or voluntary work to undertake this qualification to enable assessment to take place.
- Start date(s): September
- Duration: 36 weeks
- Location(s): Longsight
- Day: Wednesday
- Time: 9:30am-3:00pm
*You are required to undertake a work placement with this course.
This course is an introductory qualification ideal for people who would like to work or volunteer as teachers, tutors and trainers in adult and community learning, further education and/or work-based training.
View more details about Level 3 Award in Education and Training.
On this course, you will develop skills, knowledge and understanding to enable you to work in the following roles: teaching assistant, classroom assistant, learning support assistant, additional needs assistant, pastoral/welfare support assistant, bilingual support assistant or foundation stage assistant.
You must be in paid or voluntary work to enable assessment to take place in the workplace.
- Start date(s): September
- Duration: 36 weeks
- Location(s): Greenheys, Online
- Day: Wednesday
- Time: 11:45am-2:45pm (Greenheys), 4:30pm-7:30pm (Online)
Help and support
You will find a range of support on offer when you study with MAES. From our friendly and enthusiastic business support team located in our learning centres to our well-qualified and committed tutors.
We are also home to Make it Happen – a service run by our dedicated Careers and Progression team who will provide expert knowledge and personalised support to prepare you for the next stage in your career. Find out more below.
