Children's Centre Services

Information and support in finding jobs and appropriate training

Each Children's Centre provides a range of information and support in finding jobs and appropriate training. These are listed below.

Children's Centres - A guide for parents, carers and families provides information about the other services that the Children's Centres offer.

Employability workshops

Steps back to work workshops are events designed to give you all the help you need to take those first steps back into employment. The events are free and everyone is welcome.

Please contact Gill Wilson on 020 8227 5518 for more information and to reserve a place in the workshop. There will be limited crèche facilities that will be available on a first come first served basis.

Drop-in sessions and consultation about local training and employment opportunities

Children's Centre staff will be able to signpost you to local training providers. Job Centre Plus advisers will also be available to discuss employment opportunities.

Basic skills courses

There are a number of basic literacy and numeracy skills courses running throughout the borough. Children's Centres will be able to signpost to your local provider.

English for speakers of other languages courses are available in some Children's Centres.

Skills plus courses

There will be opportunities to access NVQ Level 2 courses in childcare. Some Children's Centres offer programmes relating IT.

Work-experience opportunities

As from September 2007 all Children's Centres will be able to offer work experience programmes. These are aimed at year 10, 12 and 13 Trident students based in Barking and Dagenham. However, other students may be considered.

In addition there are a number of volunteer programmes running within Children's Centres.

Careers advice

All Children's Centres work in partnership with the Job Shop within Barking and Dagenham. This is an organisation with specialist partners that can help with any job or training related enquiry.

The job shop is located in Vicarage Field Shopping Centre in Barking. Children's Centres will be able to help you contact the Job Shop and support you in this area.

Job preparation

Children's Centres will offer support on how to prepare for a job interview, help completing application forms and letters.

Open learning opportunities for parents

There are a number of open learning opportunities for those parents who would like to become childminders.

It is also possible for existing childminders to access open learning to complete their full diploma in Home Based Child Care with the support from their local Children's Centre.

Training and employment referral form

If you are interested in finding out more about training and employment opportunities please complete the training and employment referral form. The relevant adviser will contact you as soon as possible.

Training and Employment Referral Form - Word 138K