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Free training to start a career in Children's Social Care


The Care Academy offers free and flexible training to give you all the skills you need to start a career in children's social care - including personalised support and the opportunity to apply for a role in one of the council's Children's Homes.

Make a real difference to lives of those who need our support the most. 

Who the course is for

In County Durham we provide services for children and young people who require the support of dedicated and highly skilled care and support staff, particularly those who cannot live at home or those with an additional need who enjoy short breaks from home.

If you've got a caring nature and would like to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in County Durham, this course is a great opportunity to get the entry-level skills needed to begin a rewarding career in children's social care.   

This free, part-time programme runs over 10 weeks and can be either face-to-face or online. 

What you will learn

  • development of children
  • Children's Home Regulations and Key Quality Standards
  • effective communication and working in a team
  • the rights of the child
  • Equality and Diversity
  • developing positive relationships with young people to support the achievement of health and wellbeing
  • developing positive relationships with young people to support the achievement of positive outcomes
  • safeguarding
  • employability skills and personal development including interview skills and preparation for work

Additional programme 

  • Level 1 Award in progression
  • communication skills for work
  • interview skills
  • first aid in the workplace

You will be offered the opportunity to apply for a role in one of our children's homes. 

If successful in securing this role, you will have the opportunity to undertake the Level 4 Apprenticeship in working with children, young people and families.

Course starting dates and times

Skills for careers in Children's Social Care 

Online training

DayTimeStart DateNumber of weeks
Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30am to 3.00pm24 September 202410
Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30am to 3.00pm29 April 202510

To express an interest please complete the Children's Social Care expression of interest form.

Face-to-face at Cornerstones, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3TF

DayTimeStart DateNumber of weeks
Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30am to 3.00pm21 January 202510
Care Academy Care Academy - mobile version


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