Information and advice
Here are some useful links and contacts for further information and advice regarding educational opportunities and resources, including careers advice and guidance, in the North of Scotland.
Scotland’s Colleges and higher education institutions
| Institution | Telephone | Childcare provision |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen College | 01224 612000 | |
| Banff and Buchan College | 01346 586100 | 6 months to 5 years (off campus) |
| Highland Theological College | 01349 780000 | |
| Inverness College | 01463 273000 | Birth to 5 years |
| Lews Castle College | 01851 770000 | 3 months to 5½ years Out of school and holiday care 5½ to 12 years |
| Lochaber College | 01397 874000 | |
| Moray College | 01343 576000 | 6 weeks to 5 years |
| NAFC Marine Centre | 01595 772000 | |
| The North Highland College | 01847 889000 | |
| Orkney College | 01856 569000 | |
| The Robert Gordon University | 01224 262000 | 3 months to 5 years |
| Sabhal Mòr Ostaig | 01471 888000 | Birth to 4 years After school and holiday care up to 12 years |
| Shetland College | 01595 771000 | 3 to 5 years |
| Scottish Agricultural College | 0800 269453 | |
| UHI Millennium Institute | 01463 279000 | |
| University of Aberdeen | 01224 272000 | Birth to 5 years |
Childcare information
Some colleges and universities provide childcare facilities on campus: others use an affiliated nursery on campus or have an arrangement with a local nursery. It is important that you check with the institution to find out exactly what they can offer and whether any financial support might be available to you to meet the costs. Places are often limited, so it is advisable to apply early.
For further information on registered childcare in your area, visit the Scottish Childcare website.
There may be childcare facilities for students studying with the UHI Millennium Institute depending on location. It may best to phone and check this on 01463 279000.
Aberdeen College, North Highland College and Orkney College do not have childcare facilities on campus, but they may be able to provide some financial help towards registered childcare elsewhere.
The Scottish Agricultural College may be able to provide some financial help towards costs for registered childcare elsewhere.
Learning in the community
There are many opportunities to learn within your local community. You could contact your local council or ask your local community learning centre about the range of classes they offer. Click here for contact details for your local council.
Your local library is a good place to find out about learning opportunities in your community. To find your nearest library or learning centre contact your local council, or visit the Scottish Library and Information Resources website.
Careers Scotland Centres
Careers Scotland is a national careers service with over 75 centres across the country, all based in the local community. Staff at the centres can help you explore job, education and training options and provide you with access to a full range of careers and occupational information. You don't need to make an appointment to visit your local centre, you can just call in. To find your nearest centre telephone 0845 8502502, or visit the Careers Scotland website.
National organisations
Learndirect Scotland has a searchable database of thousands of learning opportunities available within your local area and throughout Scotland. It also has information and advice about learning opportunities, funding and childcare options. To speak to an adviser call Freephone 0800 1009000.
The Workers' Educational Association, Scotland (WEA Scotland) is a national provider of community-based and workplace-based adult learning. There are over 200 locations across Scotland. The WEA's priority is to reach people who face barriers to learning.
Scotland is the Place gives information about all aspects of life in Scotland and contains a large section about education. It is published in Polish as well as in English.
Szkocja.net is Scotland's leading quality portal for the Polish community. It offers useful information about the Scottish government, culture, education, multiculturalism, health system, housing, etc. Email: info@szkocja.net
A Quick Guide to Polish Qualifications. This page of the Scottish Qualifications Authority website offers a useful and comprehensive comparison of Polish and Scottish qualifications.
Zjednoczenie Polskie w Wielkiej Brytanii (Federation of Poles in Great Britain) is a London-based organisation that can be of interest to Polish migrants in the UK. It contains information from the Polish community in the UK and from the Polish Educational Society.
The Scottish Refugee Council provides independent and confidential education and careers information and advice. Contact them on Freephone: 0800 0856087.
Local organisations in the North of Scotland
Living and Working in Aberdeen. This web page is part of the Aberdeen City Council website. The leaflets, containing useful information for migrant workers arriving in the city, can be downloaded in four different European languages: German, Lithuanian, Polish and Czech.
Living and Working in the North East of Scotland is a 36-page booklet containing comprehensive information for migrant workers, and can be downloaded from the Aberdeenshire Council website. It is produced in several languages including Polish, Chinese and Lithuanian.
Welcome to Moray is a welcome pack with comprehensive details on living and working in the region. It can be downloaded from the Moray Council website and is available in English, Polish, Russian, Chinese and Portuguese.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - The Outer Hebrides Community Planning Partnership. This web page offers advice and information for workers from European Union countries living and working in the Outer Hebrides (in Polish and Latvian).
Witamy na Orkney (‘Welcome to Orkney’ in Polish) also has a booklet that is downloadable in English and Polish.
For information about welcome packs for other areas of the North of Scotland, click here.
Multi Ethnic Aberdeen Ltd (MeAL) provides advice and support to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. They can help you to access education, training and employment opportunities as well as providing information on business start up and development. Telephone 01224 645268. The Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (ACVO) Communications is the communication tool for the voluntary sector in Aberdeen.
Aberdeen International Centre provides advice, information and support regarding education and childcare, as well as ESOL provision, to community groups and individuals living in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Telephone 01224 210025.
Inverness Polish Association. This site is designed to help Poles in Inverness and the Scottish Highlands and Islands. It is sponsored by the Highland Council and functions as a noticeboard for events of various kinds, including ESOL classes. Telephone 01463 223223, or the help line 07979 423140.
The Aberdeen Polish Association’s website includes information about the association that can also be found in ‘Community Contacts’, the Aberdeen City Council Services section. Among other initiatives, the association organises educational activities for Polish people. Telephone 07855 004647.