Free teaching assistant training course for Southwark residents

The part-time Southwark Council-funded course, which is a part of the Southwark Works initiative, will see students gain an OCNLR Teaching Assistant qualification at level 1, 2 or 3, allowing them to work as assistants in primary classrooms. For those who do not have a GCSE in Maths and English, they will have the opportunity to take national tests in literacy and numeracy at GCSE level.

As well as nationally recognised qualifications, each student will be given the chance to develop their existing skills and build their confidence through a work placement which is a compulsory part of the course.

"This is an excellent opportunity for unemployed mums, dads and carers who want to work with children to build on their parenting skills and develop themselves professionally as well as personally," says Foufou Savitsky, assistant director of LLU+ (formerly London Language and Literacy Unit) at London South Bank University.

"This is an ideal opportunity for people who can commit 12 hours a week alongside their family responsibilities. Participants can get qualifications and develop their confidence and skills on a friendly, fun and supportive course that opens up a lot of new and exciting horizons."

• LLU+ will be holding a taster session on Monday 20 April. If you would like more information about this course contact Christine Weber on 020 7815 6297 or send an email to [email protected]