Our free family learning courses will give you the tools you need to help your child learn numeracy and/or literacy skills, as well as a range of crafts and life skills to enjoy as a family.
Linked to the Primary Schools Curriculum, our courses are available to parents, grandparents, guardians and carers.
Our adult-only courses will give you confidence and the skills in literacy, numeracy, and digital skills you need to support your children, as well as strategies that will help you support your child’s development.
Family Learning Courses we offer
Who this course is for
Parents and carers who want to support children developing their numeracy skills.
What you will learn
Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.
- Introduction to Numeracy – an in-depth look at how your child starts to develop their numeracy and ways you can start to encourage their numeracy as a parent.
- Improve and develop your own numeracy skills to support your child
- Knowing my Own Child – considering how your child – and their learning journey - is unique and discussing ways that you can support your own child’s numeracy development.
- Keeping Track of My Child’s Numeracy – a detailed look at how children are assessed for numeracy throughout school and ideas for how you can keep track of your child’s numeracy development.
- Positive Feedback – thinking about the effects of positive feedback on a child’s numeracy development and sharing ideas and strategies for getting the best out of your own child.
You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
This is a practical and information-based course to support families to help their children and no prior subject knowledge or skills are required.
However, on this course you will need to:
- follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace
- listen and join in group discussions
- jot down notes to record relevant information
- keep your work organised in a sealed wallet
- be willing to take part in practical activities
- be able to work alongside others
- to be patient, be willing to ask questions and keep going
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your NI number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.
It is not required for this course but it will be an advantage, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning. To access our virtual learning platform, you will need to have an email address and some basic IT skills, although your tutor will give you printed instructions to help you.
How you will learn
Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of interactive activities in pairs or small groups to practise these.
There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.
Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.
What happens after you complete your course
On completion of this course, you can progress onto linked certificated courses if you would like.
Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of accredited and non-accredited courses, including Early Years Literacy Development, Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning, Level 1 Award in Early Years Setting and more besides.
Functional Skills courses are available from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up on your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Who this course is for
Adult learners who want to develop their child’s reading skills by creating and using story sacks to explore well known children’s books.
What you will learn
On this course you will learn:
- Introduction to Numeracy – an in-depth look at how your child starts to develop their numeracy and ways you can start to encourage their numeracy as a parent.
- Improve and develop your own numeracy skills to support your child
- Knowing my Own Child – considering how your child – and their learning journey - is unique and discussing ways that you can support your own child’s numeracy development.
- Keeping Track of My Child’s Numeracy – a detailed look at how children are assessed for numeracy throughout school and ideas for how you can keep track of your child’s numeracy development.
- Positive Feedback – thinking about the effects of positive feedback on a child’s numeracy development and sharing ideas and strategies for getting the best out of your own child.
You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.
Course content above is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.
It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.
How you will learn
Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of interactive activities.
There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.
Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.
What happens after you complete your course
On completion of this course, you can progress to:
- Family Learning craft courses (delivered by Sefton Community Learning Service)
- Craft courses for adults (a wide range of courses are delivered by Sefton Community Learning Service)
- Additional Literacy and Numeracy development courses (delivered by Sefton Community Learning Service)
- Level 1 in Supporting a Child’s Learning and Development
Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.
Functional Skills courses are available from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up on your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Who this course is for
Adult learners who would like to:
- Improve their English Skills in order to progress on to other courses
- Have an accurate assessment of their skills and areas to develop further
- Work on their English skills to build their confidence without necessarily doing a qualification
- Identify the next steps needed to progress – whether that be into employment or onto further study or towards an ideal career (e.g. Nursing)
Support children with their schoolwork and literacy development
What you will learn
Course content is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.
- Use the result of your diagnostic assessment to identify your personal and academic goals.
- Use online learning platforms to access resources for this course
- Develop a range of English skills:
- Reading texts – the importance of reading for adults and children alike
- Some common spelling rules and spelling strategies
- Punctuation and grammar
- Reading and selecting the main points and ideas
- Writing for different purposes
- Speaking and listening, exploring the importance of communication.
You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
Some reading, writing and speaking skills will be required. Initial assessments may be carried out prior to the course.
On this course you will be expected to be able to:
- follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace
- listen and join in group discussions
- jot down notes to record relevant information
- keep your work organised in a file
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.
It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.
How you will learn
Each session will consist of a tutor lead presentation followed by a range of activities to meet different learning styles. Some courses may also be blended learning, meaning that some of your learning will be from home (subject to learners’ IT access and skills).
There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.
Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.
You will complete an end of course assessment and receive feedback to help you identify your next steps and progression routes.
What happens after you complete your course
On completion of this course, you can progress to:
- An appropriate Functional Skills or GCSE qualification for you.
- Another course –You might choose to focus on areas you’ve identified within this course, rather than doing a qualification
- Employment
Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.
Functional Skills courses are available from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up on your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Who this course is for
Parents/guardians with their children who want to help develop their children’s literacy and numeracy skills through activities and crafts associated with Autumn, Harvest Festival and Diwali.
Maximum 2 children per adult. Recommended age range 4-10 years old.
What you will learn
Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort. Each week will contain activities designed to develop literacy and numeracy skills in children and provide parents with ways in which to help with development of these skills:
- Introduction to course
- Autumn nature and wildlife
- Creation of hedgehog paper craft
- Harvest Festival
- Literacy task
- Creation of Autumn harvest basket
- All About Diwali
- Rangoli numeracy task
- Creation of Diwali lantern
- Autumn celebrations and events
- Problem-solving activity
- Creation of autumnal wreath
- Autumn scene collage
- End of course review
You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your individual learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
No prior subject knowledge or skills are required.
However, on this course you will need to be able to:
- follow health and safety guidelines.
- follow written and verbal instructions.
- take part in discussion and keep a record of achievement.
Note: Parents/guardians must attend with their child. All children must be supervised by their parent/ guardian.
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.
How you will learn
Each session is set in an informal relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
You will be working together as a family group, working to create a range of craft activities. Your tutor will provide you with support and guidance throughout the session.
Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.
What happens after you complete your course
On completion of this course, you can progress to a wide range of courses including creative crafts; Intro to Teaching Assistant qualification; a course to support your children with literacy and numeracy; Functional Skills English and Maths qualifications.
Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Who this course is for
Parents/guardians with their children who want to help develop their children’s literacy and numeracy skills through activities and crafts associated with Nature and Wildlife.
Maximum 2 children per adult. Recommended age range 4-11years old.
What you will learn
Workshop content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.
The workshop include activities designed to develop literacy and numeracy skills in children and provide parents with ways in which to help with development of those skills.
- All about Autumn and helping the Hedgehogs
- Create autumn themed crafts
- Continue learning at home with Autumn themed activities
You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your individual learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
No prior subject knowledge or skills are required.
However, on this workshop you will need to be able to:
- follow health and safety guidelines.
- follow written and verbal instructions.
- take part in discussion and keep a record of achievement.
Note: Parents/guardians must attend with their child. All children must be supervised by their parent/ guardian.
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lesson with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.
How you will learn
This session is set in an informal relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
You will be working together as a family group, working to create a range of craft activities. Your tutor will provide you with support and guidance throughout the session.
Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.
What happens after you complete your course
On completion of this workshop, you can progress to a wide range of workshops and longer courses including:
- Creative crafts (we offer various at Sefton Community Learning)
- Intro to Supporting Teaching & Learning qualification
- A course to support your children with literacy and numeracy
- Functional Skills English & Maths qualifications.
Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Who this course is for
Parents/guardians with their children who want to help develop their children’s literacy and numeracy skills through cooking skills.
Maximum 2 children per adult. Recommended age range 6-13 years old.
What you will learn
Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.
Parents/guardians work with their child/children to
- plan and cook meals on a budget.
- understand budgeting when shopping for food and best places to shop.
- understand how sustainability can be incorporated to cooking.
You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your individual learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
No prior subject knowledge or skills are required.
However, on this course you will need to be able to:
- Follow health and safety guidelines.
- Follow written and verbal instructions.
- Take part in discussion and keep a record of achievement.
Note: Parents/guardians must attend with their child. All children must be supervised by their parent/ guardian.
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Your tutor will provide many of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.
How you will learn
Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation/demonstration followed by a range of interactive activities.
There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.
Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks, and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.
What happens after you complete your course
On completion of this course, you could progress to a variety of courses delivered by Sefton Community Learning Service, including:
- creative crafts;
- a course to support your children with literacy and numeracy;
- Functional Skills English and Maths qualifications;
- Level 1 Food Safety and Hygiene qualification;
- Supporting Teaching & Learning qualification at Level 2 or
- Preparing to Work in Schools at Level 1.
Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.
Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Who this course is for
Parents/guardians with their children who want to help develop their children’s literacy and numeracy skills through cooking skills.
Maximum 2 children per adult. Recommended age range 6-13 years old.
What you will learn
Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.
Parents/guardians work with their child/children to
- plan and cook meals on a budget.
- understand budgeting when shopping for food and best places to shop.
- understand how sustainability can be incorporated to cooking.
You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your individual learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.
Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course
No prior subject knowledge or skills are required.
However, on this course you will need to be able to:
- Follow health and safety guidelines.
- Follow written and verbal instructions.
- Take part in discussion and keep a record of achievement.
Note: Parents/guardians must attend with their child. All children must be supervised by their parent/ guardian.
The materials you will need
At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable).
Your tutor will provide many of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.
How you will learn
Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation/demonstration followed by a range of interactive activities.
There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.
Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks, and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.
What happens after you complete your course
On completion of this course, you could progress to a variety of courses delivered by Sefton Community Learning Service, including:
- creative crafts;
- a course to support your children with literacy and numeracy;
- Functional Skills English and Maths qualifications;
- Level 1 Food Safety and Hygiene qualification;
- Supporting Teaching & Learning qualification at Level 2 or
- Preparing to Work in Schools at Level 1.
Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.
Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.
Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.
How to enrol
You can find out how to enrol on this page.
Enrol for a Family Learning Course
When you've decided the course that's right for you (see the list below) register with us online to enrol - this will only take a moment to do! All learners need to enrol as soon as possible and before course date to ensure their places.
Check out our Prospectus for Spring 2025
We also offer a wide variety of further education, including vital maths and English skills, training and courses too improve employability and useful life skills to improve your confidence and well being.
To view the other courses we offer, download your prospectus today!
Meet some of our Learners and Staff
In this video you can hear first hand from our learners and staff, the difference Sefton Community Learning Service can make to your prospects and your outlook.