Opening doors to education with a “Working with Children” course in Salford

Great Places’ commitment to offer opportunities and investing in people brought to Salford Innovation Centre a one-week “Working with Children” pre‑recruitment course, delivered by Hidie Taylor, Training & Skills Lead at Great Places.

Designed to support people considering a career as a Level 1 Teaching Assistant, the course welcomed seven learners from across the Great Places community and partner organisation Salix Homes. It offered an inclusive, supportive route into education, one that reflects Great Places’ values of fairness, opportunity and personal growth.

“This course is about providing a realistic and empowering introduction to the role of a Teaching Assistant,” Hidie explained. “There’s often a misunderstanding about what the role involves day to day. By exploring SEND, safeguarding, equality, equity, inclusion and communication, learners can truly understand the responsibility, and the reward, of working with children.”

Drawing on her experience as a teacher and SENDCo, Hidie designed the programme around real-life scenarios that encourage reflection and practical learning. The course also included an accredited Level 1 Award in Safeguarding Awareness, ensuring participants gained essential knowledge to work with children safely and ethically.

Feedback from learners highlighted how their confidence increased, how clear it was and much it motivated them. Many also shared that they had gained new insight into the complexity of supporting children’s needs and that they felt better prepared to take their next steps.

David Agbaso (27) described the experience as “interesting,” adding: “I’ve been re-learning and gaining new information around working with children and safeguarding. It will help me kickstart a career in education.”

Bol Tongyik Chan (28) echoed this, saying, “It’s helpful for my future endeavours. It will help me identify the needs of the children and what support you need to give.”

For Laura Moss (35), who discovered the course through a Great Places email, it was a clear stepping stone: “Helpful and educational. It will help me towards becoming a teaching assistant.” Meanwhile, Millie Astbury (22), who found the course via social media, said it was “very educational and enjoyable,” highlighting learning around safeguarding and special educational needs.

Beyond the classroom, the course opens doors. On completion, learners are supported to apply for Level 1 Teaching Assistant roles, connected with specialist education recruiters, employment coaches, or progression routes into further qualifications.

“This is about informed choice and long-term success,” Hidie said. “Whether learners move straight into work or continue their training, they leave equipped, confident and supported.”

Through initiatives like this, Great Places continues to invest in people by building skills, confidence and pathways to meaningful careers that brings development to both individuals and communities.