Stepping Stones Lone Parent Group

Let us be your support!

Delivered by: LWL with Caroline Burke (Mentor & Coach) and Reskill Ireland CLG

This is a two-year, part-time supported programme for women who are parenting alone. It focuses on the development of soft skills and includes the following:

• Communication Skills
• Confidence Building
• Time Management
• Personal Finance
• Self Employment
• Career Development
• Interview Skills
• Mindfulness
• Essential Group and 1:1 Support

Childcare and transport provided.

Dates:  Thursday mornings – 10am to 12pm.

This is an ongoing group,  we welcome new participants!

Location:  Longford Women’s Link, N39 H6R7

Tea & Coffee provided.

Cost:  Free!

For further details or to register an interest please contact:

Kathleen Dowd – Director of Programmes

Email:  kathleen@lwl.ie

Office:  043 3341511

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Are you interested in a career as an SNA?

Special Needs Assisting 5N1786 – QQI – Level 5

April to June 2025

The purpose of this programme module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the practices and principles underpinning the role of a Special Needs Assistant to enable the learner to work effectively under direction in a special needs assisting capacity.

Class Dates:
Monday & Wednesday Classes: 7pm to 10pm
Plus 1 Saturday 10am to 4:30pm

Start date: Monday 28 April 2025

Dates:
28, 30 April
7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 May
4, 9, 11, 16. 18 June, plus Saturday 14 June

Venue: Longford Women’s Link

Cost: €340

A €100 euro non-refundable deposit is required to secure a place on this course.

Full fees to be paid by Friday 18 April 2025

Closing date for course applications is Friday 11 April 2025 or may close earlier if over subscribed, a wait-list will be maintained. 

You may qualify for funding, please contact 043 3341511 for further information.

A minimum of 80% attendance is required for this course.

Details/Course requirements:

· Learners must be aged 18 years or older

· As part of this module, learners will be required to undertake a practical supervised work placement (20 hours). This must be in a recognised educational environment (e.g. primary school). You must be either working or have access to a suitable setting where you can complete these 20 hours (this can be on a voluntary basis).

· English Language Requirement: Students entering programmes leading to awards at Level 5 are expected to be able to: be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing and understanding information across a broad range of topics.

· Learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment to enable them to participate: computer/laptop, internet, email, Microsoft and Zoom.

· LWL have a Laptop loan scheme available to learners.

If you have any further queries or wish to join the class, please contact –

Pamela Latimer – Education and Training – Business Development Manager

Email: pamelalatimer@lwl.ie
Tel: 043 3341511
Mobile: 087 205 8152

BOOK OR ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE

Special Needs Assisting 6N1957 – QQI – Level 6

May to June 2025

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the theory and practice underpinning the education and care of those who present with special educational needs to enable the learner to assist in the provision of this education and care.

Entry Requirements
Learners should have completed a FETAC/QQI Level 5 SNA programme module or equivalent.

Class Dates
Thursday nights – 7pm to 10pm, plus 1 Saturday – 10am to 4.30pm

Thursday – 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May
Thursday – 5, 12, 19 June
Saturday – 7 June

Venue: Longford Women’s Link Training Facility.

Cost: €290

A €100 euro non-refundable deposit is required to secure a place on this course.

Full fees to be paid by Friday 18 April 2025.

Registration for class closes Friday 11 April 2025 or earlier if the class is over subscribed, a wait list will then be maintained.

You may qualify for funding, please contact 043 3341511 for further information.

A minimum of 80% attendance is required for this course.

Details/Course requirements:

· Learners must be aged 18 years or older

· As part of this module, learners will be required to undertake a practical supervised work placement (20 hours). This must be in a recognised educational environment (e.g. primary school). You must be either working or have access to a suitable setting where you can complete these 20 hours (this can be on a voluntary basis).

· English Language Requirement: Students entering programmes leading to awards at Level 6 are expected to be able to: be proficient at reading, drafting, preparing and understanding information across a broad range of topics.

· Learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment to enable them to participate: computer/laptop, internet, email, Microsoft and Zoom.

· LWL have a Laptop loan scheme available to learners.

Further Enquiries / Booking Form

If you have any further queries or wish to join the class, please contact –

Pamela Latimer – Education and Training – Business Development Manager

Email: pamelalatimer@lwl.ie
Tel: 043 3341511
Mobile: 087 205 8152

BOOK OR ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE

Stage 1
Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning Care 5M21473
April 2024 to March 2025

The aim of this two-year programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skill and competence to work as autonomous practitioners, subject to practice supervision, promotion and supporting the holistic needs of children 0-6 years.

This is year 1 and 2 of a 4 year programme leading to the Advanced Certificate at Level 6. Learners can progress to the Early Learning and Care Level 6 award if they have achieved the Early Learning and Care Level 5 award (Year 2).

Professional Practice Placement

• Learners must complete 150 hours professional practice placement in a Tusla registered Early Learning and Care setting.
• You will be required to conduct this placement with two age groups: (1) working directly with children aged between 0- 2 years 8 months, and (2) working directly with children aged 2 years 8 months – 6 years.
• Learners must be Garda vetted before going on professional practice placement
• Learners must pass the professional practice placement elements in each year.

Employment Opportunities

Learners exiting the programme after completing Stage 1 with a QQI Level 5 award in Early Learning Care can progress to employment in a range of early years settings such as;

• Montessori Pre Schools and Schools
• Private Crèches
• Community Playgroups
• Centres offering ECCE free pre-school years

Entry Requirements:

• Learners must be aged 18 years or older.
• Leaving Cert, including leaving Cert applied or an NFQ Level 4 major Award or equivalent.
• Applicants whose first language is not English require proficiency at B2 (CEFRL)
• A desire to work in the sector
• Learners will not be expected to have prior knowledge of Early Learning and Care on entry to the programme.

Stage 1 – Year 1 and Year 2 – Level 5.

Module

• Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care
• Early Childhood Growth and Development
• Holistic Care of Children 0-6 Years
• Curriculum, Play and Creative studies
• Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation
• Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs

Duration: Two years part time

Start Date: April 2024
Monday and Wednesday, some Tuesdays may apply after a Bank Holiday Monday – 7pm to 10pm
End Date: TBS

Venue: On site in Longford Women’s Link.

Cost:
Year 1:  €2,400 approx.
Year 2: €2,400 approx.

You may qualify for funding, please contact 043 3341511 for further information.

Your Learner Journey:

• LWL operate under the guidelines of Women’s Community Education, our approach is supportive and encouraging. We provide additional supports and an open door policy.
• We encourage learners to speak with the Education and Training Manager when enrolling on the course to discuss any additional support the learner may require.
• As a learner you will be supported by your Tutor, your Professional Practice Work Placement Supervisor, the Professional Practice Placement Monitor and the Programme Manager.
• You will be provided with guidelines on all aspects of the course, and your options for progression.
• You will be provided with an LWL Learner Book and Professional Practice Guidelines handbook.
• There are a number of mandatory activities you must complete on this programme, you will be supported in order to achieve these objectives.
• You will receive feedback and we encourage you to provide feedback on your learning experience.
• Our policies and procedures are published on our website.
• Our aim is for all learners to reach their full potential.

Details:

• Learners undertaking this programme must have basic IT skills and access to the necessary equipment to enable them to participate: computer/laptop, internet, email, Microsoft and Zoom.
• LWL have a Laptop loan scheme available to learners.
• Assessments take the form of written assessments, skills demonstrations and exams.

On completion of this programme, the learner will be able to:

• Upon completion of Stage 1 learners can work in the Early Learning and Care sector and be counted as qualified staff.
• Learners can progress to Stage 2 (level 6) and progress further to higher education.

If you have any further queries or require a booking form, please contact:

Pamela Latimer
Education and Training – Business Development Manager
Email: pamelalatimer@lwl.ie
Tel: 043 3341511
Mobile: 087 205 8152

BOOK OR ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE

Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care 6M21471 – Level 6

Stage 2

Duration: 2 years part time.

Module (credits) 

• Advanced Professional Practice Placement in ELC 6C21517 (25)
• Sociology and Social Policy 6C21518 (15)
• The Developing Child 6C21519 (20)
• Curriculum and Pedagogy 6C21520 (20)
• Inclusive Early Learning and Care 6C21521 (15)
• Supervision and Administration 6C21522 (25)

Entry Requirements:

• Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Stage 1 (level 5)
• Where the learner achieved their certificate within the five years prior to application to the programme, they will be granted automatic advanced entry to stage 2. Typically, this will involve the QQI ECCE 5M2009 major award.
• Where the certificate was achieved more than five years prior to application to the programme, the learner will be required, in addition, to demonstrate that their learning remains current by way of sufficient, relevant, recent professional practice in a Tusla registered service working directly with children aged 0-6 years. Learners can demonstrate this with a letter from their employer verifying their employment in a role working directly with children aged 0-6 years, and outlining that role. To meet the currency criterion, the learner will have at least one year full-time equivalent employment in the previous five years. This will refer most typically to the existing and legacy awards:
  • QQI Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) 5M2009
  • FETAC/NCVA Childcare Level 2 DCHSC (legacy award, precursor to 5M2009)

Further details to follow.

If you wish to join the wait list for this programme, please contact :

Pamela Latimer – Education and Training Business Development Manager

Tel: 043 3341511
Mobile: 087 205 8152
Email:  pamelalatimer@lwl.ie

BOOK OR ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE

Level 8 Certificate in Meeting the Challenge of Challenging Behaviour

South East Technological University

NFQ Level 8 (10 credit module)

What is this programme about?
This programme supports managers, staff and carers to develop and implement comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans for people who present with behaviours that challenge. The programme will examine the model of positive behaviour support, proactive vs. reactive strategies, examine the causes of challenging behaviour, and examine non-aversive approaches and evidence positive behaviour support approaches.

This programme is appropriate for people who support and care for children and adults in all caring and support services, such as:
• Practitioners
• Care Staff
• Teachers
• Clinicians
• Service providers
• SNAs

What subjects will I study?
• Self Awareness
• Supervision
• Ethical Responsibility
• Mentoring
• Implementing a Positive Behavioural Support Model

On completion of this programme, students should be able to:
• Recognise and understand the causes of challenging behaviour;
• Conduct a comprehensive behaviour assessment;
• Design a multi-component positive behaviour support plan;
• Implement, review and evaluate support plans.

Entry Requirements:
All applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Lifelong Learning reserves the right to require applicants to attend for an interview to determine their suitability for the programme.

Duration: Part-time 1 evening per week – Tuesday – 7pm to 10pm

Start date: 30 September to 16 December 2025

Course Location:  Delivered online.  In keeping with LWL’s Community Education ethos onsite peer group learning/study groups will be put in place as part of the course delivery for those who wish to avail of this.  Details to follow.

Fees:  €120 euro – there will be a €100 euro refund on successful completion of the course.

This course is supported by The Ireland Funds.  Normal fee:  €450

Closing date:  Once the course is full with fees paid or if space is available Friday 20 June 2025. Once the course is full, we will maintain a wait list.

If you have any further queries or registration form, please contact –
Pamela Latimer – Education and Training – Business Development Manager
Email: pamelalatimer@lwl.ie
Tel: 043 33 415 11 Mobile: 087 205 8152

BOOK OR ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE

This project has been kindly supported by The Ireland Funds

Fire Warden Course

Date: TBA

Time:
Morning class – 10am to 1pm.
Or
Afternoon class – 2pm to 5pm.
Or
Evening class – 7pm to 10pm

Venue: Longford Women’s Link

Class size: Maximum of 8 per class.

Cost: 50 euro per person.

A 20 euro non-refundable deposit is required to secure a place on this course. Full course fees should be paid prior to the start of course.

If you have any further queries or require a booking form, please contact –
Pamela Latimer – Education and Training – Business Development Manager
Email: pamelalatimer@lwl.ie
Tel: 043 33 41511
Mobile: 087 205 8152

BOOK OR ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE

3 Day FAR (First Aid Response) course

3 Day PHECC FAR – First Aid Response – course.

Class dates: 2025

• January 28, February 4 and 11 – Tuesdays
• March 4, 11 & 18 – Tuesdays
• March 31, April 7 and 14 – Mondays
• May 6, 13 and 20 – Tuesdays
• June 9, 16 and 23 – Mondays

Time:  9am to 4.30pm
Venue:  Longford Women’s Link

It is essential to attend all 3 dates.

Students will receive a card and certificate on successful completion of the course.

Cost:  €295

Class is limited to 8 participants – Tea/Coffee provided

A 60 euro non-refundable deposit is required to secure a place on this course.  Full course fees should be paid prior to the start of course.

You may qualify for funding, please contact 043 3341511 for further information

If you have any further queries or require a booking form, please contact –

Pamela Latimer – Education and Training – Business Development Manager

Email:  pamelalatimer@lwl.ie

Tel:  043 33 41511

Mobile:  087 205 8152

BOOK OR ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE

2 Day FAR (First Aid Response) Refresher course

2 Day FAR (First Aid Response) Refresher course.

Class dates: 2025

• March 3 and 10 – Mondays
• April 1 and 8 – Tuesdays
• May 7 and 14 – Wednesdays
• June 3 and 10 – Tuesdays

Time: 9am to 4.30pm
Venue: Longford Women’s Link

It is essential to attend both dates.

Students will receive a card and certificate on successful completion of the course.

Cost: 220 euro.

Class is limited to 8 participants – Tea/Coffee provided

A 60 euro non-refundable deposit is required to secure a place on this course. Full course fees should be paid prior to the start of course.

You may qualify for funding, please contact 043 3341511 for further information.

FAR Refresher must be complete within 2 years and 30 days of your certificate expires date.

As and from 1 June 2018, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) will only recognise the PHECC First Aid Response Education and Training Standard (FAR) as meeting the needs of occupational first aid (OFA) in all workplaces. Details available at: www.hsa.ie

If you have any further queries or require a booking form, please contact –
Pamela Latimer – Education and Training – Business Development Manager
Email: pamelalatimer@lwl.ie
Tel: 043 33 41511
Mobile: 087 205 8152

BOOK OR ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE

MANUAL HANDLING AND PEOPLE MOVING

Date: Class every month, please call 0433341511 for next available dates
Time: 10am to 4pm
Location: Longford Women’s Link

Cost: 85 euro per student

A 40 euro non- refundable deposit is required to secure a place on this course. Final fees to be paid prior to the start of class.

Course is limited to 10 students.

Tea and Coffee provided.

If you have any further queries or require a booking form, please contact –
Pamela Latimer – Education and Training – Business Development Manager
Email: pamelalatimer@lwl.ie
Tel: 043 33 41511
Mobile: 087 205 8152

BOOK OR ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE

MANUAL HANDLING

Date: Class every month, please call 0433341511 for next available dates
Time: Morning or Evening
Location: Longford Women’s Link or online Via Zoom

Cost: 50 euro per student

A 30 euro non- refundable deposit is required to secure a place on this course. Final fees to be paid prior to the start of class.

Course is limited to 10 students.

Tea and Coffee provided.

If you have any further queries or require a booking form, please contact –
Pamela Latimer – Education and Training – Business Development Manager
Email: pamelalatimer@lwl.ie
Tel: 043 33 41511
Mobile: 087 205 8152

BOOK OR ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE