Flexible Learning
There are a few free distance learning courses offered through Gateshead Council by Learning For All to it's Carers. You do not need to have any formal qualifications in order to undertake any of these courses but you will need to demonstrate a commitment of approximately 10-30 hours to study time and motivation to work through the specially prepared materials. It takes about 10-12 weeks to complete the programme, you do not have to complete courses which are related to your role, however you would be expected to complete this in your own time.
* If you withdraw from a qualification once you have started it there is charge of £125 for non-completion.
These are some of the courses that can be accessed for free, providing you meet the eligibility criteria detailed below:
| Understand Behaviour That Challenges |
| Caring for Children and Young People |
| Children and Young Peoples Mental Health |
| Allergy Awareness for those Working in the Adult Social Care |
| Principles of Dementia Care |
| Understanding the Care and Management of Diabetes |
| Award in the Prevention and Control of Infection |
| Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities |
| Understanding Autism |
| Awareness of Mental Health Problems |
| Understanding the Safe Handling of Medication in Health and Social Care |
| Certificate in Common Health Conditions |
Please send a copy of your certificate to wdsupport@gateshead.gov.uk to have your training record updated.
Funding
The Adult Education Budget (AEB) which is used to fund these qualifications is released on 1 August each year and is allocated on a geographical basis. Learning For All will use your home postcode to verify whether or not funding is available in your area. Obviously the later you enrol after the 1 August the greater the likelihood that funding has been utilised elsewhere. If you have tried online enrolment prior to 1 August and received notification that funding is not available in your area, this may be why - Learning for All recommend you try again after 1 August.
Eligibility criteria
- aged 19 or over
- must live in England
- lived in the EU for 3 consecutive years
- you must not have completed any part of the requested qualification previously
- prior qualifications may effect eligibility
- a withdrawal fee of a maximum of £125 is charged for learners that enrol onto a course and do not complete.
- if you have previously completed one of our Flexible Learning Qualifications you can not be enrolled onto the same Qualification again.
- if a learner is aged 19 to 23 and wishes to sign up to a VRQ qualification, they must already have a level 2 qualification.
Enrolment
To enrol on distance learning with Learning for All please contact christinebeattie@gateshead.gov.uk and marytitler@gateshead.gov.uk
As part of the funding criteria enrolment includes a basic maths and english assessment - these are not tests and there is no pass or fail.
Course delivery and assessment
The courses are easily accessible within the the home or workplace through an online portal or paper based workbook, meaning you do not attend a classroom but still receive high-quality support throughout your learning journey.
Tutor support
You will have access to a tutor from the training provider who will support you throughout the programme. You will be able to contact your tutor for help, support and guidance at any stage of the course. Your tutor will provide you with detailed feedback on your work.
Benefits
- achieve a nationally recognised qualification
- further your personal and professional development
- gain positive working relationships
- improve your skills in service delivery
- increase service standards
- learn at a time that suits you without the need to attend college
Should you have any questions please e-mail christinebeattie@gateshead.gov.uk or marytitler@gateshead.gov.uk