WEA Family Learning

By joining one of our Family Learning courses you could:

find our more about your child’s education
help your child with reading and writing
talk and share experiences with other parents about educational issues that affect your family
boost your own self confidence
build stronger links with your child’s school
find out how your child learns

Some courses provide support for parents with children who have special educational needs; other courses provide initial training for parents who want to work in schools as classroom assistants or as midday supervisors.

Contact: To find out more about WEA Family Learning courses phone ANN HAYES on
020 7426 1988 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

All WEA courses are run in local schools and community centres

Family Learning Courses

Here’s a list of WEA Family Learning Courses

Family Learning - Literacy, Maths or Science	Ten 2 hour classes	practical and fun courses through which parents find out new ways of learning with their children and supporting them at home. Includes joint sessions with parents and children together.
Think Creative!	*Ten 2 hour classes*	Parents learn how to encourage and use creative thinking; make resources to use at home; have a better understanding of the importance of play. Includes joint sessions with parents and children together.
Making and using Storysacks	*Ten 2 hour classes*	Parents contribute to making storysacks resources and learn ways of supporting children’s reading and writing.
Family Learning - Craft	*Ten 2 hour classes*	Using practical craft activities to encourage speaking and listening, play and children’s literacy. Includes joint sessions with parents and children together
Get IT Together	*Ten 2 hour classes*	Parents use computers, scanners and digital cameras to create a Family Album. Includes joint sessions with parents and children together.
Get into the Internet	*Ten 2 hour classes*	Parents find out how to use the internet with children and some of its uses to them in their role as parent; safety on the internet; using educational websites; setting up an e-mail account.
Kids! Who said they were easy?	*Varies -* *Five or Ten 2 hour classes*	Parents learn about basic child development, the value of play and other parenting issues.
Living and Working with the Under Eights	*Ten 2 hour classes*	Explores issues around parenthood, childhood and caring for children in the home and community through sharing experiences; develops a range of study skills.
Supporting your child into Primary School	*Five 2 hour classes*	For parents of children aged 3-5 in non-primary school settings to explore issues about this important transition stage; to become aware of how schools operate and how children will be taught in Reception.
Supporting your child into Secondary School	*Five 2 hour classes*	For parents of children in Year 6, with a follow-up in Year 7. This course helps parents to support their children and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Helping in Schools Accredited with London Open College Network at Levels 1, 2 and 3.	*45 hours + 20 hour placement in school*	This course trains parents as classroom volunteers. It gives parents an overview of the way a primary school works, how children learn and the role of a classroom helper. It also develops self-confidence and increases parents skills in both written and oral communication. This is a good course to do if you have already completed other Family Learning courses.
Portfolio Building	*Ten 2 hour classes*	This course that runs alongside Helping in Schools, providing additional support with written work and study skills. It makes Helping in Schools more accessible to more learners.
A Parents/Carers Guide to Special Educational Needs: Accredited with London Open College Network at Level 1.	*30 hours*	This course aims to familiarise parents of children with Special Educational Needs with the process of assessment and statementing and to enable them to take part effectively in their child’s education. It also develops communication skills and self-esteem to build confidence in dealing with a range of professionals.
Independent Parental Supporter Training Accredited with London Open College Network at Levels 2 and 3.	*60 hours*	This is a course for parents who have completed the Parents/Carers Guide to Special Educational Needs and who wish to support other parents and carers.
Midday Supervision in Primary Schools Accredited with London Open College Network at Levels 1, 2 and 3.	*25 hours*	Aimed at existing Midday Supervisors, this course helps learners to gain a better understanding of how a school is organised and to see where their role fits in to the school structure. It has a particular focus on behaviour management and play. It aims to develop self-confidence and increase skills in both written and oral communication.

What kind of learning?

A course tailored for you

All our courses reflect the needs, interests, and experiences of learners, celebrating their cultural and social diversity.We strongly believe that for learning to be effective the learner must be involved in all the key decisions about their learning.

That’s why we always have pre course meetings with our learners so that we, and the learner, can make sure the course is right for them, covers the topics they expect, and is taught in a way the learner is happy with.

Don’t just drop out - talk to us first!

If the course isn’t as you expect, or you feel you can’t continue with the course, then talk to us first - speak to the tutor or phone the WEA on 020 7426 1988. We’ll try and find a way to help so that you can stay on and complete the course.

If any learner wants to tell us anything about the course, to make a suggestion, or to improve our courses in any way then call the WEA on: 020 7426 1988.

Joining WEA Family Learning Courses

All our Family Learning courses are run through local primary schools.

To join a course talk to a teacher or administrator at your child’s school to see if they are running any of our courses. Pick up a leaflet at the school to find out times and details of the course.

You could call the WEA direct to find out about the courses by dialling 020 7426 1988.