[HoldThatThought]

Sooo ... bascially I've foolishly 'enrolled' onto an online course given by 'RDS' - Recruitment & Development Solutions Ltd.

It costs £295 and you receive a 'qualification' which is called : 'Certificate in Core Foundation for Teaching'.

I feel sooo stupid because I'm desperate for a job even voluntary so I accepted it because I am desperate. !!

I gave my bank details and paid £50

I've later looked online to see bad reviews.
I don't know what to do ... such a desperate plonker !! argh. why me?


PLEASE HELP.

[thecrimsonidol]

What exactly is the qualification meant to lead to? Core Foundation for Teaching sounds a bit Micky Mouse to me.

[laura130490]

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question...8085035AAgPKv6
http://www.coursesplus.co.uk/trainin...n-teaching.php
http://www.rdsltd.org/en/teaching

I did a quick google and it seems legit.

[HoldThatThought]

(Original post by thecrimsonidol)
What exactly is the qualification meant to lead to? Core Foundation for Teaching sounds a bit Micky Mouse to me.

*exhales..

I don't know what to do.

whatever happens, happens I guess. thanks for answering.

It's suppose to give you a certificate. never heard of it.

'Core Foundation in Teaching'.. hmm

[HoldThatThought]

(Original post by laura130490)
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question...8085035AAgPKv6
http://www.coursesplus.co.uk/trainin...n-teaching.php
http://www.rdsltd.org/en/teaching

I did a quick google and it seems legit.

Thanks alot.

I think I need to calm down. relax. see what happens?

I'm broke as it is .. that's why I can't afford to be scammed.

[OSharp]

It sounds a little suspect.

seeing as how teachers generally do a degree followed by a PGCE.

Which now would cost closer to £36 000

So £295 doesn't seem like it would be much in the way of providing a solid qualification.

What is it supposed to be for anyway?

[HoldThatThought]

(Original post by OSharp)
It sounds a little suspect.

seeing as how teachers generally do a degree followed by a PGCE.

Which now would cost closer to £36 000

So £295 doesn't seem like it would be much in the way of providing a solid qualification.

What is it supposed to be for anyway?

oh great.

its suppose to help me become a Teaching Assistant.

As I'm on the phone to this guy I'm thinking .. 'what have I done'.

what to do? I'm just laughing at myself.

[HoldThatThought]

(Original post by OSharp)
It sounds a little suspect.

seeing as how teachers generally do a degree followed by a PGCE.

Which now would cost closer to £36 000

So £295 doesn't seem like it would be much in the way of providing a solid qualification.

What is it supposed to be for anyway?

plus .. they called me on a mobile phone.

[OSharp]

(Original post by HoldThatThought)
plus .. they called me on a mobile phone.

If I where you i would ask your bank to prevent any further payments going to that account.

unless you think the qualification will somehow benefit you.

[Suzanathema]

So sorry hun but I think you should try and get your money back. That isn't a TA qualification I've ever heard of.

I remember reading on these very forums about a year ago about a scam involving that company where they offered that course to help people get onto a PGCE. It doesn't help with anything. Just because they are a real company with a real course doesn't mean you should do it - it's not relevant to anything. Schools won't consider it a useful qualification.


I'd say do your best to withdraw and get a refund asap.

[thecrimsonidol]

To be honest, if you're not sure as to the benefits of the course, and lack any money, don't bother with it. Cancel the rest of the payments and leave it. Hard to say if you'll get the £50 back.

If you really want work, and say you are willing to do it voluntarily, try looking for some hours at a charity shop or something.

[HoldThatThought]

(Original post by Suzanathema)
So sorry hun but I think you should try and get your money back. That isn't a TA qualification I've ever heard of.

I remember reading on these very forums about a year ago about a scam involving that company where they offered that course to help people get onto a PGCE. It doesn't help with anything. Just because they are a real company with a real course doesn't mean you should do it - it's not relevant to anything. Schools won't consider it a useful qualification.


I'd say do your best to withdraw and get a refund asap.

Thanks alot. I know I should of used my brain. I usually don't get duped. I did ask him a lot of questions to try and ensure it was legit.

Hate not working.

HOW. STUPID. AM. I.

This is sooo funny. They said they were going to take the remaining money out tomorrow morning.
I somehow doubt they'll give me a refund.

[OSharp]

(Original post by HoldThatThought)
Thanks alot. I know I should of used my brain. I usually don't get duped. I did ask him a lot of questions to try and ensure it was legit.

Hate not working.

HOW. STUPID. AM. I.

This is sooo funny. They said they were going to take the remaining money out tomorrow morning.
I somehow doubt they'll give me a refund.

you can still request to stop your bank sending it through, do it now before they shut up shop, if you really don't want to do the course.

[sam.hunton]

This is more likely to be worthwhile: http://www.icslearn.co.uk/distance-l...assistant.aspx

[rocket0612]

A course at your local college would be more beneficial

[balloon_parade]

Your local college will provide courses (free if you are unemployed or on benefits) which will help you become a TA, (perhaps an NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning in School.) You could also volunteer at a local school as networking and real experience is also massively beneficial!

It probably is a real course, it's just not likely to be widely recognised. If the money comes out then you may as well do the course, it's better than being £250 out of pocket. Next time try the TES forums for advice

[evantej]

(Original post by HoldThatThought)
Sooo ... bascially I've foolishly 'enrolled' onto an online course given by 'RDS' - Recruitment & Development Solutions Ltd.

It costs £295 and you receive a 'qualification' which is called : 'Certificate in Core Foundation for Teaching'.

I feel sooo stupid because I'm desperate for a job even voluntary so I accepted it because I am desperate. !![...]

Suzanathema is right. This course is not accredited and does not lead to anything. Teaching assistants tend to do the qualification described above. But you can probably not do this as you have to be employed - as it involves being observed - and it probably takes you over the 15 hour rule for Jobseeker's Allowance; if you are claiming that, of course.

So far as money is concerned, you have not started the course and, at worst, you could only lose the £50 if it was some sort of non-refundable deposit. Do not accept their nonsense. If the money gets taken out ask for a refund. They are legally obliged to give you your money back.

[HoldThatThought]

(Original post by sam.hunton)
This is more likely to be worthwhile: http://www.icslearn.co.uk/distance-l...assistant.aspx

Thanks for this! Looks good apart from the price

[HoldThatThought]

(Original post by OSharp)
you can still request to stop your bank sending it through, do it now before they shut up shop, if you really don't want to do the course.

So early this morning like a crazy bint went to the cash machine to take all my money out so they wouldn't.

I get a call on private number saying the payments not going through. I asked this lady for my money back & she has the nerve to say "well really we should be taking more out"! I dare her.

She then goes onto say that i can't cancel my enrolment by phone so i have to send them a letter.

[HoldThatThought]

(Original post by balloon_parade)
Your local college will provide courses (free if you are unemployed or on benefits) which will help you become a TA, (perhaps an NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning in School.) You could also volunteer at a local school as networking and real experience is also massively beneficial!

It probably is a real course, it's just not likely to be widely recognised. If the money comes out then you may as well do the course, it's better than being £250 out of pocket. Next time try the TES forums for advice

I'd love to volunteer in a school & have been sending out my CV s.. Not luck yet. I know studying on a course would be beneficial but I really aren't in the position to be on a course living at home like I did when I was 18. I'm 21 now.

What's annoying is I know plenty of people with no gcses no qualifications that work as TAs. I just need to get my foot in the door. I have 8 gcses & a level 3 BTEC in health and social care..

Thanks btw.