Interview with Sheeja Sethumhadhavan – Supporting Women to Explore a Career as a Teaching Assistant

Posted on by heathercette

In partnership with Learn Hillingdon, Belina Grow recently delivered a two-week “Becoming a Teaching Assistant” taster course designed to help women explore a career in education. With 20 women taking part and an impressive 87.5% average attendance, the course offered hands-on insight into the Teaching Assistant role while building confidence and practical skills. We caught up with Sheeja, who led the sessions, to hear more about what made this course special, the progress she’s seen in participants, and why these kinds of opportunities are so vital for women looking to start or restart their careers in the UKWhat is the name of your session or sessions?
The session is called ‘Becoming a Teaching Assistant’. It’s a two-week taster course we run in partnership with Learn Hillingdon.

What is your session about?
It’s an introductory course designed for women who are interested in pursuing a career as a Teaching Assistant. The aim is to give participants a clear understanding of the role, responsibilities, and the skills and knowledge needed, while building their confidence to take the next step, whether that’s enrolling in a formal qualification or improving their English and Maths.

Can you describe what happens during a typical session?
Each session is interactive and practical. We explore what it means to be a Teaching Assistant, the kinds of tasks they do, and the behaviours and qualities that are important when working with children. One of the standout activities is a blindfolded task, it’s simple but powerful, helping participants see how perception and communication really matter when supporting learning. The sessions also offer space for discussion, group activities, and peer learning.

Who is the session for?
The session is especially for women who are thinking about starting a new career, many of whom are new to the UK job market or returning to work after a break. Most of our learners have previous education or work experience from other countries and are now looking for a way to begin or restart their careers here in the UK.

What kind of participants usually attend? What needs or barriers are they facing?
We often support women who are lacking in confidence, unsure about how to navigate the UK education system, or who have been out of the workplace for some time, often due to caring responsibilities. Some face language barriers, others are just unsure how to take the first step. This course gives them that opportunity in a safe, supportive space.

What makes this session helpful or different from other support available?
It’s the combination of practical insight and emotional encouragement. We don’t just tell them what the job involves, we show them, we discuss it together, and we connect it to their real-life experiences. And because we offer it in partnership with Learn Hillingdon, there’s a seamless path to continue learning. Many go on to take the full Teaching Assistant qualification or refresh their Maths and English through our Functional Skills courses.

What kind of feedback have you had from participants?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Participants love how clear and easy-to-follow the sessions are, and they really appreciate the friendly, welcoming environment. A lot of women tell us the interactive activities helped them understand the role better and gave them the confidence to pursue it.

Could you share any quotes or stories from women who found the session(s) useful?
Absolutely! Here are just two of the comments we received:

“I liked that the session gave a clear idea of what it’s like to be a TA. It was easy to follow and helped me understand the main responsibilities. I also enjoyed the interactive parts and hearing from others. It made me feel more confident about taking the full course.”

“I really enjoyed the course because I met new people, and the teacher was excellent at explaining everything clearly. She helped us understand how to become a Teaching Assistant and what skills are needed for the role. The classes were fun, engaging, and easy to follow.”

Do women attend the session more than once? If so, why do you think women come back or recommend it to others?
Yes, we often see women return, either to attend other sessions we run or to support others by sharing their own journey. I think they come back because it’s a confidence-boosting space. Many tell us they recommend it to friends or family members because it helped them feel seen, heard, and motivated.

It helps them feel more capable and optimistic and they make new connections with other women who are in similar situations. They also leave with a clearer path forward, whether that’s starting a qualification, improving their English, or looking for work in a school.

What changes or progress have you seen in participants over time?
Some women have gone on to enrol in full Teaching Assistant qualifications. Others have joined Functional Skills classes to strengthen their English and Maths. I’ve seen so many small but powerful changes, more eye contact, more participation in group discussions, and most importantly, a belief that they can do it.

Any examples of confidence building, engagement, or moving towards training/work?
Yes, we’ve already had several women from this most recent course book their assessments for the next stage in September. One woman told us she’d always wanted to work in a school but never believed she could. After just two weeks with us, she’s planning her learning and career steps.

Why should someone join this session if they’re unsure or nervous?
Because it’s designed for people just like them. There’s no pressure and no judgement, just encouragement and guidance. We take it step by step, and everything is explained clearly. It’s a safe place to explore your options.

What would you say to encourage a new participant to try it?
I’d say: You don’t have to have all the answers or feel confident right now. Just come along and see what it’s like. You’ll learn, you’ll laugh, and you’ll meet others who understand what you’re going through. And by the end of it, you’ll feel more ready than you think.

Ada Finds Confidence and Work with Grow

Posted on by heathercette

Ada moved to the UK from Nigeria three years ago and spent a long time trying to find work. It was not easy starting again in a new country, but with the support of the Grow programme, she has now found a flexible cleaning job that fits around her family life, is feeling more confident and is looking ahead to her future prospects.

Ada said “I first heard about Grow through my son’s school. They sent me an email about the programme and because I was already looking for a job, I thought I would give it a try. I didn’t really know how things worked in the UK job market, so I needed help.

Before I moved to the UK, I worked in Nigeria doing admin work and also cleaning jobs. But here, I hadn’t worked for nearly three years. I felt like I had lost confidence.

Joining Grow gave me a new start. I joined some sessions in person at my child’s school, like the Bootcamp, and I’ve also been to lots of online sessions like the Coffee Mornings, the CV workshop, and the Interview workshop. These were all really helpful.

Grow helped me make a proper CV and taught me how to apply for jobs. I found my job on Indeed, and I used my new CV from Grow to apply. I got the job! It’s a cleaning job and it gives me time to take care of my child too. I can choose my own hours, which is perfect.

Even though I’m working now, I still come to Grow sessions because I want to keep learning and maybe do more training in the future. I’m still hoping to get a better job one day, and Grow is helping me step by step.

The best thing about Grow is that it has helped me feel more confident and I was part of a community with other mums like me. I’m really happy I joined.

 

Fajer Finds the Right Role with Grow

Posted on by heathercette

Fajer joined the Grow programme in November 2024 after meeting the team at her child’s school. At the time, she was experiencing a difficult period in her life, having recently lost her brother, for whom she had been a full-time carer. She was also looking to return to work after a career break to care for her young child. Five months later, with consistent support from Grow and her own persistence, she secured a job with the London Ambulance Service as a Healthcare Adviser.

Fajer said “When I saw Laura and Liz from the Grow team at my son’s school, I went to speak to them to find out more. I was really down at the time and just wanted to do anything to get out of that place in my head. They explained the programme, registered me on the app, and showed me how to access weekly job links. I started applying through the app and other portals and even got offered some roles.

“Initially, I was looking for remote roles which is what I’d done during COVID. But most jobs I saw were asking for recent experience, which was hard because I had a gap in my CV. I did get offered some jobs however but they were not quite right for me and Laura’s guidance had encouraged me to really think about my choices, so I persevered.

“Karen supported me with my CV. She told me I had the right skills, but the format needed work. She completely restructured it and tailored it for healthcare roles. I had two CV sessions with her, and that made a real difference.

“When I got through the first stage of interviews with the London Ambulance Service, Laura connected me with Kaneez who referred me to Smart Works for interview coaching and clothing. The session there helped me prepare for my final interview stage. The coach I spoke to had experience in healthcare and gave me insight into the types of questions I might be asked. That preparation helped me feel more confident.

“The job I’ve now secured is part-time—two days a week—which works well for me now that I have some family support at home. It’s not remote, but it is relevant to my past experience working in GP surgeries and NHS call centres.”

“Looking back, when I first joined Grow I wasn’t clear on exactly what I wanted, I just knew I needed to do something. Laura helped me take a step back and focus on making the right decision instead of rushing. That advice helped shape my approach.”

“Grow gave me structure and direction at a time when I needed it. From CV support and job links to interview preparation and referrals, the team were always there with practical help.”

 

Vidya Discovers New Confidence with GRoW

Posted on by heathercette

Vidya moved to the UK from India in July 2024 with her husband and two children. She previously worked as a hospitality manager and is keen to find similar work in the UK. Vidya has found support and guidance through GRoW and has attended the GRoW Bootcamp and undertaken a customer service course to help her achieve her goal. Vidya is now working as as an eVisa champion for Ealing and Hounslow CVS as well as searching for part time and full time work.

Vidya said “I first heard about GRoW when I went to a jobs fair in Feltham. I was searching for job opportunities online and found out about the event. At the jobs fair, I met Saeema and the GRoW team. They told me about the GRoW Bootcamp and the other support they could give me. I decided to join because I wanted to find work and learn more.

Before coming to the UK I used to work as a hospitality Manager for a corporate serviced apartment. When I moved here, I started searching for jobs, but it was hard because I didn’t know where to begin. I was originally interested in part time work but since going to the job fair I realised that availability of full time opportunities are more than part time jobs, and decided to apply for full time work.

Being part of GRoW and taking part in the Bootcamp was very good. I learned so many things, like where to find jobs in my area and how to feel more confident when applying for them. The team was very kind and helped me a lot. They made me feel like I could do this. There were lots of activities, and they gave me the push I needed to start applying for jobs.

GRoW also helped me with my CV. Karen ran an online session where she explained everything about writing a good CV, and Saeema helped me put it all together. Now, I have a CV that I can use to apply for jobs.

I also completed a customer service course. It was about hospitality and catering services, and I learned a lot that will help me in my next job. This course gave me more confidence and refreshed my knowledge about the industry.

The GRoW team is not just a community; they feel like family to me. They take care of me and make me feel supported. Every day, I am applying for jobs, and even though I haven’t found one yet, I feel positive. I know I will get there because of the confidence and support GRoW has given me. I have started volunteering work in December as an eVisa champion for Ealing and Hounslow CVS which is helping me to gain some work experience and a boost for my CV.

Thank you to everyone at GRoW for all your help. I hope to find a full-time job soon, and I am very grateful for everything you have done for me.”

 

Mukta’s Journey to Confidence and a Career in Childcare with GRoW

Posted on by heathercette

Mukta moved to the UK from Bangladesh nearly eight years ago. She had some work experience working in retail for a year but has focused mainly on raising her children. Lacking in confidence Mukta came to the GRoW Programme in Newham looking for support to get a job. Now, she’s volunteering, completing childcare qualifications, and working towards her dream of becoming a childminder.

Mukta said “When I joined the GRoW Programme last year, I felt very unsure about myself. I didn’t know how to find a job or what to do. I had worked in a shop for one year, but then I stopped because I needed to look after my children. I didn’t have much confidence, and I felt shy talking to people. GRoW helped me to change that.

At first, I wanted help to find paid work. I didn’t feel confident, but GRoW supported me. I joined their Bootcamp, which was very helpful. It taught me things I didn’t know and made me feel better about myself. I also did the “Preparing to Work in Schools” course, which gave me new ideas about work. It made me think about doing more and gave me hope.

One of the best things I did was start volunteering. Now, I volunteer at a library in Redbridge every Tuesday. At first, I was nervous, but now I really enjoy it. It gives me experience, and I feel more confident talking to people. This is very important for me because before, I was too shy to talk to anyone.

GRoW also helped me find a childcare course. I completed my Level 1 qualification with Get Set UK, and I really enjoyed it. I love working with children, and my dream is to become a childminder. I’m planning to do my Level 2 childcare course next so I can take the next step. I want to help families and children and do a job I enjoy.

GRoW has helped me so much. They made me believe in myself. Before, I was very shy and didn’t think I could do anything. Now, I feel confident and ready to take on new challenges. I even went to a job fair recently and spoke to people about my goals. This was something I could never do before.

I’m very happy that I joined GRoW. They have given me the support I needed to move forward. I feel like I’m on the right path now. My dream is to become a childminder, and I know I can do it. If anyone is thinking about joining GRoW, I would say, go for it. They can really help you, just like they helped me.

 

Empowering Haddy to Secure a New Role

Posted on by heathercette

Haddy is a committed frontline practitioner who has spent years supporting people in challenging circumstances, most recently supporting people in need at food banks whilst working as an Advisor with the Citizens Advice Bureau. When her job came to an end she looked to Jobcentre Plus for support to find new employment opportunities and was referred to Belina GRoW to provide the crucial support she needed.

Haddy attended her first GRoW session at Croydon Town Hall and quickly realised the value of the resources and support offered.

Haddy said “GRoW provided me with more than just basic advice—they offered tailored interview coaching that proved really useful. Despite my previous experience in client-facing roles, I found the interview practice and tips from GRoW were incredibly beneficial. I particularly valued the one-on-one support from Liz who helped me refine my interview technique. It really helped me regain my confidence. This personalised guidance paid off quickly, as I secured three job offers in just one week, ultimately choosing a role with the National Careers Service.”

Haddy began her new role as an Employment Adviser at the National Careers Service where she will help provide high quality career advice and guidance to improve clients’ skills. She will introduce job seekers and those in work places to free professional courses to make them stand out.

Reflecting on her experience, Haddy emphasised that even for someone with her background, skills and experience, the support from GRoW was invaluable. The programme not only helped her secure a new job but also reinforced the importance of seeking guidance and continuously improving, no matter where one is in their career.

 

Nitya Starts a Volunteering Position

Posted on by heathercette
Nitya moved to the UK from India in January 2020 with her husband, initially planning to stay for two years. Arriving just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Nitya faced some challenges including homesickness, and adapting to a new country during lockdown. In 2022, she gave birth to her daughter and decided to focus on her child before re-entering the workforce and came to GRoW in late 2023 to support her in her journey back to work. Nitya said “I first heard about the GRoW programme while visiting the Children and Young Families Centre (CYPFC) at Highfield Library in Leicester. A staff member introduced the programme to the mothers there, explaining how GRoW could support women in getting back to work. Although I wasn’t looking for a job at that time I did leave my information and later received a message about the programme. I went along in June 2024 as I was thinking about returning to work. As soon as I started attending GRoW’s online sessions I could see the benefit. These included Friday coffee mornings and meetings with guest speakers like Jonty Rooke, which I found so inspiring. Through these sessions, I gained important information about job applications, personal statements, and CV writing. Zoiya and the team also worked on creating a CV for me. I really needed to gain work experience in the UK and so I applied to voluntary positions at Cancer Research UK and to Leicester City Council for a volunteering position at the library. I was so pleased to be accepted for the library position and have received my paperwork to complete. Working at the library will provide me with the work experience I need and I can balance my childcare with my husband. My daughter is now almost two years old and will start nursery in 2025 so I intend to work full-time then. The support from GRoW has been really helpful to me. Though I had a number of jobs in India it is not easy to work in a new country without understanding the process or having any work experience. GRoW has boosted my confidence and given me the knowledge I needed to get ready for work in the UK. I feel really focused and prepared to build my career now and look forward to starting my volunteering job at the Library.

Nandhini Continues to Build Confidence and Upskill through GRoW

Posted on by heathercette

In March, we introduced Nandhini, who moved to the UK from India in March 2023. Nandhini has been on a journey of self-improvement and skill acquisition, aiming to re-establish her career and find a job that fits around her family. Nandhini has made significant strides, continuing to build her confidence and enhance her skills through various courses and training opportunities.

Nandhini recently embarked on a Basic Maths and Budgeting (Multiply) course, kindly set up by Hillingdon Adult Learn specifically for GRoW participants. The five-week course, held every Thursday at the Hillingdon Women’s Centre, focuses on essential maths skills and practical budgeting techniques.

Nandhini said “I have attended three classes so far, where we covered topics such as multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, percentages, and practical applications like calculating household bills.

This course has been incredibly beneficial, helping me refresh my maths skills and providing practical knowledge for managing household expenses. Even though I learned maths in India what has been interesting about this course is the different ways of teaching. I’ve learned new methods that I can use to teach my kids, and the supportive environment has really boosted my confidence. The instructors are kind and attentive, ensuring that all learners are supported and friends, co-learners, and GRoW members on the course are also very helpful when we encounter problems. They assist us in finding solutions. I’m thoroughly enjoying the course and feel more confident in my maths abilities.”

Nandhini is taking full advantage of the opportunities GRoW have offered. She has actively participated in the Preparing to Work in Schools Workshop and other relevant training sessions. Her goal is to secure a job in a school that accommodates her family’s needs. English, being her second language, posed a challenge, but with the support of her adviser, Saeema, Nandhini enrolled in the Daily Steps ESOL course to improve her proficiency. She also completed courses in Early Years Teaching and Childcare and participated in Audrey Bodman’s Interview Skills course. She is now looking ahead to add new skills and qualifications, all aimed at enhancing her employability.

“I have now enrolled in a Functional Skills course with Runway Training” said Nandhini. “This course will further enhance my skills and boost my CV. The confidence I’ve gained from the Basic Maths course has prepared me to tackle this new challenge and I believe these skills will be instrumental in enhancing my employability and helping me achieve my career goals.”

 

Michelle Grenada-Bryan MIEP – Transforming Lives through Specialist Coaching

Posted on by heathercette

Michelle Grenada-Bryan is an Employment Coach at Belina GRoW and is making a significant difference in the lives of people with neurodivergent conditions through her work on the Neurodiverse Strategy Programme with 3SC. With a focus on empowering her clients to overcome workplace challenges, Michelle’s efforts are tailored to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent people, providing them with the tools and support necessary to thrive in their professional environments.

Michelle explains “Neurodivergent people, including those with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other conditions, often face unique challenges in the workplace. These challenges can range from difficulties with communication and social interactions to issues with organisation and time management. Sometimes they need a bit more support to help them overcome these challenges and my role as an employment coach plays a crucial role in helping them navigate their work environments, develop effective strategies, and enhance their overall job performance and personal and professional wellbeing.”

Michelle’s work involves personalised coaching sessions where she helps clients set and achieve specific workplace goals. Each client is assessed based on their individual needs, and coaching plans are created to address their unique challenges. Michelle’s coaching is not about providing direct advice but creating a reflective space for clients to explore their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours, ultimately leading to self-generated solutions or the ‘Aha’ moment as Michelle describes it.

Michelle’s clients come to her through referrals from 3SC, often funded by the government’s Access to Work scheme. The number of sessions varies depending on the client’s needs, with some requiring as few as four sessions and others needing up to ten.

Michelle brings a wealth of experience and specialised skills to her role. She has a background in coaching from her previous role as a civil servant and has undergone extensive training in coaching techniques. Additionally, her roles as a Learning Support Assistant and School Meals Supervisor at a school where she works with neurodivergent children has provided her with valuable insights into engaging and supporting individuals with diverse needs.

Her ability to build rapport quickly is a testament to her experience and genuine interest in her clients’ well-being. This connection is vital in helping clients feel understood and supported, enabling them to open up about their challenges and work towards effective solutions.

Talking about the positive impact Michelle’s coaching has had on her clients Michelle explains “I’ve had great feedback from clients who report significant improvements in their ability to manage workplace challenges and sustain these improvements over time. The success stories are documented through self-evaluation forms and case studies and provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the coaching programme. Clients complete a self evaluation at the beginning and then at either 3 weeks or 6 weeks after and again at the end of the programme, to review how far people have progressed and what has been achieved.

“Being a coach is different from being a therapist and there is a fine balance to be made in terms of the support we as coaches offer when supporting clients. Coaches are there to look to the future and discuss what you can do to improve a situation whereas therapists often look back to see what could have been done better or differently. As a coach, I’m there to help people move forward and achieve their goals. It’s about engaging with people and building trust and a rapport.

“Working on this programme is extremely rewarding and I’m grateful to have this opportunity to support neurodivergent people and help them to overcome challenges to achieve their full potential in the workplace.”

Humaira’s Journey From the GRoW Programme to Employment

Posted on by heathercette

Humaira came to the UK in September 2023. Having never worked here before and lacking any formal work experience or certifications, she felt apprehensive about her prospects. With the support of GRoW she has now started a part-time job as a Lunch Cover at a Nursery.

Humaira said “I moved to the UK from the United Arab Emirates where my husband had a job. Unfortunately due to regulations there I was not able to work but I did have experience as a Primary School Teacher back in my home country of Pakistan.  When I came here my first focus was to settle my children into school but I had a desire to contribute to my new community and wanted to take the first steps towards employment.

I turned to the Hillingdon Women Centre, where I was introduced to the GRoW Programme and met Sheeja. Sheeja really helped me by providing lots of practical advice on how to job search and also helped me with my CV. She also instilled in me a sense of hope and determination as she understood the challenges I was facing in a new country and encouraged me to explore various avenues for employment.

Despite some uncertainty at first I applied to nurseries and libraries in my local area. It was a phone call to a nearby nursery that changed everything. Although the position hadn’t been advertised online, I took the initiative to inquire about potential vacancies, and I was so happy when they welcomed me on board as a lunchtime supervisor.

I started the job recently and it is really good. I’m working with preschool children, ranging from three months to four years old. My past experience as a primary teacher in Pakistan has given me a foundation to build upon and the nursery staff are providing me with training and support too so I am feeling really confident.

Being part of GRoW has been a great experience, they’ve given me lots of practical support, such as CV guidance and interview preparation and more importantly they’ve given me the encouragement to believe in myself.

Not having any work experience in this country was a barrier for me but having the courage to call on local nurseries and libraries to enquire if they had any vacancies is something that really paid off and I’m really happy to be starting this new chapter in my life.”