FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check below for answers to some of the common questions about our courses. If you have another question (or a suggestion for something we could add here), please contact us.

1. How do I choose between the Peer Support and Consultancy courses?
2. What does it mean that your courses are accredited?
3. Can I get insurance after attending one of your courses?
4. How much coursework is there to do?
5. Can I get free slings/carriers after attending a course?
6. Can I bring my baby to a course with me?
7. What if I need to come back for some more experience after attending a course?
8. There isn’t a course near me, can you help?
9. Can I arrange a private course?
10. Can I get help with the costs of a course?
11. I have a question about sending in my coursework

1. How do I choose between the Peer Support and Consultancy courses?

Use the guide here to work out which course is most appropriate for you.

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2. What does it mean that your courses are accredited?

The School of Babywearing offers the only babywearing courses in the UK to be recognised as vocational qualifications and accredited by an external awarding body. Our courses are accredited by Training Qualifications UK (TQUK). Accreditation means that our courses meet rigorous standards and have an independent evaluation of their value, as well as being recognised as qualifications. This means that they can be considered for funding by grant making bodies and they count towards entry requirements for midwifery and other degree courses.

All coursework is assessed and then samples of each month’s coursework are second marked by an Independent Quality Assessor. The School of Babywearing is then reviewed each year by a Quality Reviewer, who reviews tutor qualifications, course content and delivery and the qualifications offered.

Our tutors all hold adult learning qualifications, which we believe to be crucial for their ability to deliver courses and to consider the needs of the parents you’ll be working with as a Babywearing Peer Supporter or Babywearing Consultant. The course you attend will cover the same aims & learning outcomes regardless of where and when you attend it, although it’s always flexible enough to meet the needs of those attending. Once your work is marked, it will be returned with detailed feedback which will continue your professional development and support your work with parents. Read more about our thoughts on accreditation.

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3. Can I get insurance after attending one of your courses?

Yes, we can provide you with details of sling library and Babywearing Consultancy insurance (depending on which course you attend) and the cost of this is the lowest we know of, partly because insurers are happy to offer lower rates to people who have attended externally accredited courses.

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4. How much coursework is there to do?

We ask you to return your completed coursework within six months, though you will often find it easier to start it sooner after you have attended a course. The Peer Support coursework tends to take between two and five hours, and Consultancy coursework between four and eight hours for written work plus some time for practice consultations.

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5. Can I get free slings/carriers after attending a course?

Although several years ago it was possible to get free donations from manufacturers, there are now so many sling libraries and Babywearing Consultants that few people give slings and carriers away for free. But after attending a course, you will get access to the list of discounted slings available to sling meets, libraries and consultants and we will contact you if we’re made aware of any freebies on offer.

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6. Can I bring my baby to a course with me?

Yes, we welcome babies at our courses as we know this makes it easier for many people to attend. You may find it easier to concentrate with someone else there to help look after your little one and we do ask you to be aware of the needs of others on the course. Please read our Policy on Babies for further information. Where possible, we do offer creche facilities/residential courses so please ask if we have dates for one of these courses coming up.

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7. What if I need to come back for some more experience after attending a course?

Once you have attended a course with us, if we feel we haven’t had the chance to assess your practical skills at the right level, or if you feel you need a refresher/second session before completing your written work, you are welcome to come along to all or part of a future course.

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8. There isn’t a course near me, can you help?

We add new course dates frequently to our Course Calendar and you can request a course in your area by completing our Course Enquiry form. You may like to arrange a private course in your area if there are a few of you interested in training.

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9. Can I arrange a private course?

Yes, you can arrange a private Peer Support, Babywearing Consultancy or Using Slings for Labour and Birth course. If you have a group who would like to take a course together, or if you would like a course within the next four months, a private course may be your best option.

We can also offer half-day or shorter courses in babywearing and/or using slings for labour and birth that can form part of antenatal teacher trainer, doula training or similar. And we also have plenty of experience offering courses tailored to the needs of particular groups such as retailers, midwives, children’s centre staff and others.

A private Peer Support course costs £50 per person for a minimum of four people plus a £250 fee and tutor travel/accommodation expenses (we have tutors spread across the UK & would usually allocate the tutor nearest to you to minimise expenses though if you require a course at a busy time or at short notice, this may not be possible). See our private course cost calculator.

A private Consultancy course costs £200 per person for a minimum of three people plus a £750 fee and tutor travel/accommodation expenses. See our private course cost calculator.

The fee you pay covers course handbooks and resources, tutor support, marking and verification, registration with our awarding body and access to all of our resources post-course, including details of sling discounts, research papers and work opportunities offered to School of Babywearing trained educators.

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10. Can I get help with the costs of a course?

We offer payment in instalments to help people spread the cost of a course and we can offer concessionary places in some circumstances. Because our courses are recognised vocational qualifications, they are eligible for vocational funding. See our Funding Your Course page for more information.

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11. I have a question about sending in my coursework

We publish our marking dates. You can check which date to aim for and the dates when you should hear back from us and receive your certificates. If you have any further questions about coursework, please contact Arabella.

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