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 South East of Scotland.
Scotland's Colleges and higher education institutions
| Institution | Telephone | Childcare provision |
|---|---|---|
| Borders College | 08700 505152 | |
| Carnegie College | 0844 2480115 | |
| Cumbernauld College | 01236 731811 | 6 weeks to 5 years |
| Edinburgh College of Art | 0131 2216000 | |
| Edinburgh's Telford College | 0131 5594000 | 3 months to 5 years |
| Forth Valley College | 01324 403000 (Falkirk campus) 01259 215121 (Clackmannan campus) 01786 406000 (Stirling campus) |
|
| Heriot-Watt University | 0131 4495111 | 3 months to 5 years |
| Jewel and Esk Valley College | 0131 6601010 | |
| Napier University | 0131 4442266 | |
| Newbattle Abbey College | 0131 6631921 | |
| Oatridge College | 01506 864800 | |
| The Open University in Scotland | 0131 2263851 | |
| Queen Margaret University | 0131 4740000 | |
| Scottish Agricultural College | 0800 269453 | |
| Stevenson College | 0131 5354600 | |
| University of Edinburgh | 0131 6501000 | 6 weeks to 5 years |
| University of Stirling | 01786 473171 | 3 months to 5 years |
| West Lothian College | 01506 418181 | 2 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.
Borders College, Carnegie College, Forth Valley College, Jewel and Esk Valley College, Oatridge College and Stevenson College do not have childcare facilities on campus, but they still may be able to provide some financial help towards registered childcare elsewhere including both nurseries and childminders.
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh College of Art, Napier University and Scottish Agricultural College (Edinburgh) do not offer childcare provision but students may be able to apply to Childcare Fund for financial help towards registered childcare elsewhere including both nurseries and childminders.
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 may be of interest to Polish migrants in the UK. The website 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. Freephone 0800 0856087.
Local organisations in the South East of Scotland
Access to Industry is one of the largest learning partnerships in Edinburgh, working with local colleges, universities and voluntary organisations to support and encourage access to education, training and employment for all. Access to Industry enables people to develop their skills, talent and employability through the courses and activities they run. Telephone 0131 2609721.
Adult Learning Project runs a range of classes in the community, including ESOL, confidence and assertiveness classes. There are courses available in Democracy and Active Citizenship, Women’s History, Creative Writing and Art. They also run a weekly session called 'The Welcoming': this is a project that brings together refugees, asylum seekers and people from Scottish and local minority ethnic communities to share cultures and learn together. The project is for everyone. Newcomers can learn about Scots society and culture while practising their English language and literacy skills. Telephone 0131 2215800.
The Black Community Development Project based in Greater Pilton, Edinburgh, provides advice and information on welfare benefits, health, education, basic immigration, housing and employment needs, community safety and other issues affecting the lives of people from ethnic minorities. Telephone 0131 4677990.
LINKnet Mentoring is a voluntary organisation providing free one-to-one support to people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds living in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Scottish Borders and Fife. They provide support with educational development (including access to courses, support while studying and motivation), career development (job search, interview skills and work experience) and personal development (such as language support, confidence building and knowledge of local services).
Telephone 0131 2256284, email: enquiries@linknetmentoring.com.
Skillnet aims to support people from minority ethnic communities to compete more fairly in the job market by providing educational and training opportunities and careers advice. They provide one-to-one support and group training for people who are job hunting (including job search skills, preparing CVs and interview skills). They provide a range of computing courses from beginners to intermediate and have been working in partnership with Jewel and Esk Valley College and Napier University to support access to computing qualifications at both institutions. Telephone 0131 4752451.
Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) provides support and advice to families and promotes projects to encourage training and career development. To contact them telephone 0131 5534313.
Migrants' Support Service, promoted by Scottish Borders Council, has produced a 'Guide for Migrants', available from libraries, housing offices, etc. The Guide provides information and advice about employment, housing, education and emergency services. It also provides details about agencies that can provide help and advice (including faith organisations), amenities and local groups who can offer local support. The Guide is published in Polish, Portuguese and Russian as well as English. To contact them telephone 01896 822121 or email migrantsupport@eildon.org.uk.
Skilltech provides free ICT training and personal development skills to asylum seekers, refugees and individuals from black and minority ethnic communities through 12-week courses. The course includes classes in English as a second language (ESOL) to build confidence in communication skills. One of the course’s aims is to provide routes into further education. For more information, telephone 0131 5545656.