Kirklees Success Centre
Kirklees Success Centre is part of Kirklees Council's Learning Service. We are a direct delivery service for Kirklees Adult and Community Learning, running the Reading Friends, Maths Mates and Speech Stars volunteer programmes, as well as adult learning courses free of charge.
Our service
We offer free training to anyone wanting to volunteer in a school, as well as courses to improve core skills such as maths, English, and several personal development and wellbeing courses.
Our courses are informal and fun. They provide a non-judgemental and stimulating environment where learners feel relaxed and supported in their first steps or return to learning. All courses aim to boost confidence and build relationships and communities whilst people learn and develop together.
We work with schools and community settings across Kirklees. Our offer is widespread, reaching learners closer to home and providing the learning opportunities wanted or needed in their communities.
Our courses
Volunteering in schools
Volunteer for Success courses equip learners with the knowledge to support children with maths, reading and speech and communication.
Many of our learners use what they learn to support their own children at home and/or volunteer in local schools. All our courses welcome people who are passionate about helping children, regardless of their own experience and qualifications. The training provides the skills and knowledge for volunteers to positively contribute within a professional school environment.
Active in Kirklees schools for over 27 years, Reading Friends trains adult volunteers to support young people to improve their reading skills as well as to promote a love of reading by building confidence and interest. Volunteers can give as a little as 1 hour per week - ideal if you are retired, have a bit of spare time or are considering working in a school.
Schools benefit from getting trained volunteers to support the needs of their pupils.
"I really didn't know what to expect from volunteering, as I have never done it before but I love children, and wanted to give back and help schools. I didn't realise it would give me such a healthy boost to my confidence, life satisfaction and provide a natural sense of accomplishment. I have learnt new skills and fully enjoy my time with the children sharing my love for reading, showing enthusiasm and trying to be a positive role model."
Maths Mates volunteers are trained to work with pupils in Kirklees schools, either one-to-one or in a small group, under the direction of a teacher. They help pupils with numeracy but are also volunteers who can share their positive, 'have-a-go' attitude with children. The aim is to boost confidence and encourage a love of maths.
Developed due to the high demand for early language and communication support, our Speech Stars programme aims to equip adult volunteers with the skills and knowledge to develop children's speech, language and communication skills. The training promotes quality adult-child interactions using a range of fun and engaging activities. These include listening and attention, vocabulary, sentence building, oracy and turn taking skills.
"I have enhanced my knowledge and learnt new strategies that will help in my role as a volunteer but also when looking after and interacting with my granddaughter."
Qualifying criteria
All our courses are free. They are funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).
To be eligible, you must be:
- A resident of Kirklees Council
- Aged 19+
Personal development and wellbeing courses
We offer high quality learning opportunities for adults in a variety of subjects. Our courses are designed to be fun, engaging and easy to access. Our course timetable changes throughout the year, so please check in with our latest timetable.
These are some of the courses we offer throughout the year:
Plan and achieve your career change, new business, or further studies with realistic guidance from our tutor.
Build confidence in spoken English through practice in a fun, informal setting.
Enhance your writing and grammar skills for completing forms, CVs, and job applications.
Break free from old patterns, build confidence and empower yourself with our 12-hour course, running online and in person.
Explore creative writing exercises to calm the mind and promoting wellbeing. No experience needed.
Improve your numeracy confidence through our various workshops and courses, suitable for those with below level 2 qualifications. Our courses can help you work towards a qualification, help with understanding finances, help you at work, or so you can support your children with homework.
Meet new people, learn a new skill and improve your wellbeing with our craft courses. All materials provided.
Tips and tricks when applying for jobs. This confidence boosting course will help you to secure that dream job.
Gain practical skills and confidence to be an effective mentor over a 5-week course.
Explore how schools work: the curriculum, behaviour management, how to support children with SEND; and look at the skills needed to apply for school roles.
Community-based courses
Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and an offer of an interview with an employer upon completion. We are looking for people with a real passion for working with children and inspiring young minds. On completion of the course, we also expect that participants will be actively looking for paid employment.
The Early Years Skills Bootcamp includes:
- 60 guided learning hours (across 10-12 weeks)
- Face-to-face training delivered by our experienced tutors
- Specific course units covering all aspects of working in early years
- Guest speakers with expertise in specific areas of early education
- Additional training in Paediatric First Aid
- Experience in an early years setting
- Employability skills and careers advice
We take applications for our Early Years Skills Bootcamp 2-3 times a year, with courses taking place in North and South Kirklees.
Host our courses
If you are a school or community setting you could host courses for parents or your service users. All that is required is a suitable space with tables and chairs, access to the internet and a screen or projector. We take care of everything else.
This helps us to reach learners who wouldn't otherwise be able to access formal learning environments due to a range of reasons.
Information for schools is on Kirklees Business Solutions .
Community settings should contact us for more information.
For more information and to attend one of our courses
- Kirklees Success Centre
- Email success.centres@kirklees.gov.uk
- Phone 01484 234153
