Current Courses
Introduction to Early Years
Are you interested working with children aged 0 to 6 years?
Longford Women’s Link is delighted to offer the following course:
Introduction to Early Years
This part time 8-week course, delivered one morning per week will include the following:
- Background to the Early Years sector in Ireland.
- Introduction to childcare theorists that relate closely to community development.
- Brief account of the Irish curriculum and framework – Aistear and Síolta.
- Stages of development and approaches to support building upon the child’s individual emerging interest.
- Benefits of play therapy.
- Reflection on learning so far, and through class activity decide a topic of interest that the group wishes to explore further.
- Discuss outdoor play, risky play and other types of play and their benefits.
- Develop an activity for a group of children.
Entry requirements: Participants must be over 18 and wish to participate in this course.
Class is limited to 10 participants.
Start date: Thursday 12 September 2024
Class Dates:
12, 19, 26 September
3, 10, 17, 24 October.
No class 31 October.
7 November.
Times: 10am to 12.30pm.
Venue: Longford Women’s Link and Ardnacassa Community House.
Cost: This course is free!
Limited childcare available which must be booked in advance.
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: 087 205 815
BOOK OR ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE
This programme is kindly supported by Longford Local Community Safety Partnership.
Level 7 Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education and Practice
Level 7 Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education and Practice
with South East Technological University
NFQ Level 7 – 2 years – Advanced Entry
The Level 7 Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education and Practice is now a 3 year programme; however this is an advanced entry programme, which means that if you have a level 6 major award in ELC, ECCE or equivalent, you may be eligible to join in year 2. You must complete year 2 and 3 to achieve a Level 7 degree.
Start Date: September 2024
Time: Evenings and some Saturdays
Blended Learning – Combination of onsite classes in Longford Women’s Link and online classes.
Further information on the course is available at:
https://www.setu.ie/courses/bachelor-of-education-in-early-childhood-education-and-practice-2
To register please use the following link :
https://www.cognitoforms.com/SETU10/PartTimeCoursesApplicationForm
Please pick “Other Location” and Year of Entry “2nd” for advanced entry.
Fees: €2290 per year. However, for those who are not availing of the Nurture Learner Fund the fee is €1990 per year – A €300 euro bursary has been applied. Learners may also apply for available funding streams.
A staged payment plan is available over the course of the academic year.
Provisional time-frame for staged payments below:
31 August – €200
30 October – €447.50
31 January – €447.50
31 March – €447.50
30 April – €447.50
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 14 August 2024
If you require further information or have any questions, please contact –
Longford Women’s Link – info@lwl.ie | Tel: 043 3341511 | www.lwl.ie
BOOK OR ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS COURSE
Special Needs Assisting QQI Level 5
Are you interested in a career as an SNA?
Special Needs Assisting 5N1786 – QQI – Level 5
January to March 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
Start date: Wednesday 15 January 2025
Dates:
15, 20, 22, 27, 29 January
5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 February
3, 5, 10, 12 March
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 10 January 2024
Closing date for course applications is Friday 10 January 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 QQI Level 6
Special Needs Assisting 6N1957 – QQI – Level 6
January to March 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
16, 23, 30 January
6, 13, 20, 27 February
6, 13, 20 March
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 10 January 2025.
Registration for class closes Friday 10 January 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
Childcare QQI Level 5
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
Childcare QQI Level 6
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
Certificate in Meeting the Challenge of Challenging Behaviour
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 – Thursday – 7pm to 10pm plus Saturdays
Start date: Thursday – 16 January to 27 March 2025
Saturday dates to be confirmed
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 6 December 2024.
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
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
FAR – First Aid Response
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
FAR – First Aid Response Refresher
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
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
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
LWL is focused on providing our learners with the opportunity to access meaningful education and training that offers progression and real changes in their lives.
We are a long-standing provider of Community Education in Longford Town and County with Education and Training delivered according to the principles of Women’s Community Education (WCE) at our dedicated WCE Facility. We provide a wide range of services, including Education and Training (QQI Centre), using our Integrated Service Model. LWL is a third level Outreach Centre for South East Technological University (SETU, formerly IT Carlow) previously facilitated outreach for UCD and NUI Maynooth and is a community partner college of An Cosán’s Virtual Community College (VCC) and The Irish Academy of Public Relations, providing much needed third level access in Longford and the Midlands. LWL’s purpose is to link women with the resources to change their lives and transform their communities and we have a long history of promoting the transformative nature of community education. Our learners have access to a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses/modules including QQI and NFQ certification. LWL is a member of AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, and our Education and Training Manager is also on the Aontas Board.
LWL has been a QQI (& FETAC) provider since 2006.
LWL is focused on providing our learners with the opportunity to access meaningful education and training that offers progression and real changes in their lives. We endeavour to bring education into the community, focused on removing barriers and giving learners every opportunity to progress. Where possible we provide wraparound services that help our learners address issues, remove barriers and build their confidence.
LWL offers unaccredited courses, accredited QQI levels 3 to 6, industry specific courses such as FAR, Lámh and Manual Handling and Patient Moving and also works with third level providers to provide progression pathways to higher education into the community up to Masters at level 9.
Our learning environment is supportive, encouraging and our learners have a positive learning experience. The learner is the centre of all learning delivered in LWL. We listen, we encourage, we support and we work for the good of the learner.
Some of our recent graduates