Your next step starts here...
Find a rewarding career in the Care and Education sectors
Introductory courses, starting termly
Care – Early Years – Teaching Assistants – Childminding – Mental Health
Where can we take you?
Thinking about a career in care, childcare or education but not sure where to start? CALAT offers a range of nationally recognised courses to help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to take your next steps.
Whether you’re exploring a new career, looking to gain your first qualification or building on existing experience, our courses will introduce you to different job roles, develop your understanding of the sector and help you explore future opportunities.
We offer courses from Level 1 to Level 5 across Adult Care, Early Years, Teaching Assistants, Childminding, Mental Health and Mentoring. Entry requirements vary, and some courses require previous experience or qualifications. Contact our team and we’ll be happy to help you find the right starting point.
I was a bit worried as I hadn’t studied for quite some years but, from the first time I contacted CALAT to completing my course was an amazing journey. it has helped me in so many ways and with all the knowledge and experience I’ve gained, I’m looking at starting a degree in Teaching!
Charlotte – Teaching Assistant Level 3
Adult Care
Adult Care is an important and growing sector, offering a wide range of opportunities for people who want to make a difference in others’ lives.
Our City & Guilds and NCFE qualifications will help you develop the knowledge and practical understanding needed to support adults in a variety of health and social care settings. Taught by experienced tutors with significant sector knowledge, our courses cover key responsibilities, current practices and the skills needed to provide effective, person-centred care.
With opportunities to progress from introductory Level 1 courses through to more advanced qualifications at Levels 2, 3, 4 and 5, you can build your knowledge and develop your career as your experience grows.
Interested? Contact our team to find out more about available courses and entry requirements.
Early Years
If you enjoy working with young children and want to help shape their early development, a career in Early Years could be for you.
Our NCFE qualifications, taught by experienced sector specialists, introduce the knowledge and skills needed to support children in nurseries, preschools and other early years settings. You’ll explore child development, play-based learning and safeguarding, while gaining an insight into the responsibilities and opportunities within the sector.
Whether you’re new to the subject or looking to develop your existing knowledge, our courses offer a progression route from the Level 1 Award through to Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications.
Take your first step towards a rewarding career working with young children. Contact our team to discuss your options and entry requirements.
Teaching Assistants
Interested in working with children and young people in a school or college? Our NCFE Teaching Assistant qualifications can help you take the first steps towards a career in education.
Taught by experienced sector specialists, our courses develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to support teaching and learning in educational settings. You’ll explore the changing role of teaching assistants, classroom support techniques, key responsibilities and how to work effectively alongside teachers to create positive learning experiences.
Our Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools is an ideal starting point if you’re considering a career in education but have little or no previous experience. From there, you can progress to Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, developing more advanced knowledge and skills in supporting pupils and learning.
Everyone’s starting point is different. Contact our team to find out which course is right for you and check the entry requirements.
Childminding
Interested in becoming a childminder and running your own home-based childcare business? Our NCFE Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare is a great place to start.
This course introduces the knowledge and responsibilities involved in providing childcare in a home setting. You’ll explore child development, safeguarding and the practicalities of running a childcare business, including policies, procedures and Ofsted requirements.
You’ll gain an understanding of what it takes to provide a safe, supportive and high-quality childcare service within your community. On completion, you’ll be better prepared to take the next steps towards becoming a registered childminder, following the relevant application process and guidance.
Contact our team to find out more about the course and its entry requirements.
Mental Health
Develop your understanding of mental health and learn how to support others through our NCFE qualifications in Mental Health and Mentoring.
Our Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health explores common mental health difficulties affecting younger people, their potential impact and ways to provide appropriate support. It’s relevant to those interested in working with children and young people in schools, colleges, care settings and community organisations.
For those looking to develop their knowledge further, our Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health explores the legislative framework, support services, professional practice and the wider issues affecting people experiencing mental health difficulties.
We also offer the Level 2 Award in Mentoring, which introduces the role of a mentor and develops the skills needed to guide and support others. You’ll explore effective mentoring techniques alongside the legal and ethical responsibilities of the role, with opportunities to demonstrate your skills through observed practice.
Whether you’re looking to develop your existing experience or explore a new area of work, these qualifications can help you build the knowledge and confidence to support others.
Contact our team to find out more about course availability and entry requirements.
I chose CALAT for my Childcare course as I’d studied with them previously back in 2015. As before, the course content was excellent and was delivered with support and encouragement throughout.
Aicha – Early Years Educator Level 3
About Us
For over 70 years, CALAT has helped adults across Croydon develop new skills, gain qualifications and take their next steps in life and work.
As a welcoming adult education provider with a recent Ofsted rating of Good, we believe learning should be accessible, supportive and rewarding. Our experienced tutors bring real sector knowledge into the classroom, helping you build practical skills and confidence in a friendly learning environment.
Whether you’re starting something new, changing direction or looking to progress in your career, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.
What are you waiting for?
Start your journey with CALAT today…
Using the form below, select the courses you’d like us to contact you about and we’ll be in touch!
