About the Centre for Children's Workforce

The Centre for Children’s Workforce (CCW) was established as a national initiative to strengthen learning and progression pathways across the children’s workforce. Incubated by the Reach Foundation, CCW grew out of work addressing fragmentation across education, early years, social care and community‑based services, with a clear focus on creating practice‑led routes into higher education for people already working with children, young people and families.

Today, CCW is a specialist organisation dedicated to supporting professionals across the children’s workforce through high‑quality higher education and professional learning. Its programmes are designed to reflect the complexity of frontline roles, informed by current policy, research and sector expectations, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, professional identity and applied practice.

For the Children’s Workforce Foundation Degree, CCW provides national academic leadership, including curriculum design, academic standards and quality assurance, working in partnership with the University of East London as the validating university. CCW also leads national learner engagement, including information events, applications and ongoing academic support.

Learners join a national community of practitioners from a wide range of settings, benefiting from shared learning and professional connection across regions, while continuing to receive local delivery and support through organisations such as Gosforth Group.

Together, this creates a learning experience that is nationally recognised, academically robust and closely connected to everyday professional practice.

About Gosforth Group

Gosforth Group is a North East–based multi‑academy trust, bringing together six schools with a shared commitment to creating inclusive, high‑quality learning opportunities that help individuals and communities to thrive.

Rooted in access, inclusion and strong community connection, the Trust is extending its educational mission beyond schools through its first formal partnership of this kind, working with a national specialist organisation to support adult learning and workforce development alongside employment and wider responsibilities.

For the Children’s Workforce Foundation Degree, Gosforth Group provides the local teaching, learning environment and day‑to‑day learner support. Learning takes place at the Trust’s dedicated community and learning hub in Gosforth, offering a welcoming, well‑equipped space where learners can step away from daily pressures and come together to learn, reflect and collaborate.

With deep regional knowledge and trusted local relationships, Gosforth Group brings a strong understanding of place, community and need, supporting workforce development across the North East while remaining closely connected to the people it serves.

About The University of East London

The University of East London (UEL) is the validating university for the Children’s Workforce Foundation Degree, bringing academic expertise and higher‑education oversight to the programme.

UEL plays a key role in awarding the qualification and assuring academic standards, ensuring the degree meets recognised higher‑education requirements while remaining firmly grounded in professional practice. This partnership supports a programme that is both academically robust and closely aligned with the realities of working across the children’s workforce.

Your Learning Environment

Gosforth Group offers learners a high‑quality, locally based study experience in the North East, with teaching delivered at our newly developed learning and community engagement hub in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne.

The hub is located next to Gosforth Academy, making it easy to access by public transport or car:

Gosforth Group Learning Hub
Knightsbridge, Great North Road
Gosforth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 2JH

This modern, purpose‑built space provides an accessible and welcoming environment where learners can step away from day‑to‑day pressures and focus on learning, reflection and collaboration.

Learners receive local, face‑to‑face support from a dedicated Gosforth Group tutor, while also engaging with a national community of learners through the Centre for Children’s Workforce. Jointly delivered sessions across centres allow national speakers to connect with learners simultaneously, strengthening professional networks and shared learning.

Getting there

The learning hub is within walking distance of Regent Centre, a major public transport interchange:

• Tyne and Wear Metro – Regent Centre Station
  View timetables and station information: Nexus Timetable
• Bus services (Regent Centre Interchange)
  Live bus departures and timetables: Go Northeast Timetable

Free on‑site parking is also available.

Learning Hub benefits at a glance

• Walking distance from Regent Centre Metro and bus interchange
• Free on‑site parking
• Modern teaching rooms and breakout spaces
• Industry‑standard learning technology
• Quiet areas for revision and coursework
• Free Wi‑Fi throughout the building
• Kitchen facilities and refreshments

Creating Futures Through Access, Inclusion and Belonging

Gosforth Group’s Creating Futures ethos is rooted in a simple belief: opportunity should be open to everyone. We recognise that success is shaped not only by ambition, but by learning environments where people feel welcomed, supported and able to participate fully.

Our learning environment is fully accessible, with lift access, step‑free entry and parking directly outside the building, enabling independent access for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs.

We are committed to supporting learners from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and circumstances. Where practical, personal or accessibility‑related challenges arise, we encourage open, respectful and confidential conversations so that support can be thoughtfully adapted to individual needs.