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

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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.

Change in action

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Working to help people has always taken a blended mix of empathy, expertise, and encouragement. Yet now more than ever it’s about reaching out and genuinely connecting with people sitting outside of the working world.

This is a huge priority for policy makers, keen to support not just people attending the Jobcentre and receiving state benefits, but those back at home, commonly believing there’s no ‘right’ job out there for them. Programmes, and their funding, are rising to the challenge; their make-up directly responding to the task of finding, coaxing, and empowering people to think differently about their own futures. It’s a challenge Ingeus is keen to overcome.

One such example is the People & Skills South London Partnership Programme, delivered by Ingeus in partnership with Belina Consulting and Beam across the five London Boroughs which form The South London Partnership: Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton. So far, the programme has supported over 700 unemployed people from across its five London boroughs, utilising a strong network of local partners to provide community outreach and offer local knowledge and expertise.

Belina specialises in supporting women with differing barriers preventing them from working. Over the course of the People & Skills South London Partnership Programme, Belina supported 80 women from Croydon and Kingston to get ready for or start work.

Read more about the project here

#WomenWelcome: Accelerating Action for Women in Work

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International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 calls on us to “Accelerate Action”—a reminder that progress for women cannot wait. At Belina GRoW, the theme this year is #WomenWelcome, celebrating the strength, resilience, and talent of women from all walks of life and urging employers, policymakers, and communities to take meaningful steps toward equality. On Friday, the Belina Team hosted a powerful hybrid event, bringing together women from diverse nationalities to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. The discussions highlighted the everyday barriers women face—lack of childcare, unequal pay, and limited access to flexible work—and the urgent need for action to address them. The event was a true celebration of diversity, with participants speaking 21 languages—including Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, Irish, Malayalam, Tamil, Russian, French, Punjabi, Arabic, Japanese, Spanish, Guyanese Creole, and Nepalese. And that was just in the room! They were also joined by a vibrant group of women online, making it a truly international gathering. The conversations were uplifting, focusing on the importance of women’s contributions to society and how we can continue to support each other in achieving our goals. Voices from the GRoW Community Several women shared their personal reflections on what International Women’s Day means to them: Khatera Ahmed MIEP, GRoW Adviser, shared: “To me, this day means freedom, fighting for our rights, resilience, and appreciating the women in our lives who are role models for us. We must also acknowledge the privilege of living in a country where we have access to opportunities that many women around the world do not. Coming from Afghanistan, I know how important it is to stand together. In my home country, many women are currently denied even their basic rights—education, work, and the ability to live independently. This day is a reminder that we must support each other and empower ourselves to use our voices to advocate for those who cannot. International Women’s Day is for celebrating the achievements of our journeys and also standing together like sisters, helping each other. When one woman rises, we all rise together.” Iryna, GRoW Adviser, reflected on the significance of the day: “I am originally from Ukraine, and for us, this celebration comes early in spring—a time of new life and new hope. This day is very important, and I am so happy to be here with all of you, celebrating our achievements and resilience. I want to encourage all women to never give up.” Another participant shared how moving to the UK was a life-changing experience: “When I arrived in the UK two years ago, I lacked confidence and barely left my home. I didn’t have the courage to handle people and was not bold enough. But today, I stand here in front of you all, sharing my story. We can overcome challenges, we can find our strength, and we can achieve anything when we support one another.” Sushma from India shared a heartfelt message: “Today we celebrate International Women’s Day by thinking about our mothers, sisters, grandmothers, friends, teachers, and all the women who work hard every day. Women are strong and can achieve anything they set their minds to. Yet, too often, they face challenges simply because they are women. We must create a world where everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of whether they are boys or girls. Let’s promise to treat every woman fairly and with respect and keep working to ensure that all girls and women can reach their full potential.” The event was not just a moment of reflection—it was a call to action. Women should be valued, supported, and empowered. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must continue pushing for real change in workplaces, policies, and communities.

Valeriia’s Journey From GRoW to Teaching Assistant Role

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From GRoW to a Teaching Assistant Role: Valeriia’s Journey

Earlier this year, we shared Valeriia’s inspiring story of resilience and determination as she transitioned from her life in Ukraine to working with GRoW in Kingston. Today, we’re excited to share an update about Valeriia’s next chapter: her new role as a Teaching Assistant. In her own words, Valeriia reflects on the challenges she faced, the steps she took to overcome them, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

“I always knew I wanted to work in a school, but there were two problems holding me back. First, I didn’t have any local experience, which employers here really want. Second, most of the schools I applied to were looking for someone with experience working with children who have special educational needs (SEN), and I didn’t have that either. Even so, I didn’t stop applying. I kept looking for jobs, going to interviews, and learning from each experience.

This summer, everything changed. I saw a vacancy for a Teaching Assistant at the school my son attends. It felt like fate! I applied straight away, and they invited me for an interview. To my surprise and happiness, I got the job. I officially started in September, and it’s been a wonderful three months since then.

Looking back, I think two things helped me succeed. First, the experience of going to different interviews really prepared me. In one previous interview, I had to read a book with Year 1 children and then discuss it with them. When the same task came up during my interview for this job, I felt confident because I already knew what to do. The second thing was the confidence I gained while working with GRoW. That job reminded me that I’m capable, that I can contribute, and that I have skills to offer.

But more than that, the inspiring women at GRoW inspired myself. Seeing their strength, determination, and kindness helped me believe in my own potential and motivated me to overcome any barriers I faced.

Working at my son’s school has been very different from my experience as a teacher in Ukraine. In Ukraine, children with SEN used to go to special schools. It wasn’t until 2019 that they started integrating into regular schools. Here, every class has children with SEN, so gaining experience in this area is really important. I didn’t have that experience before, but now I’m learning every day on the job. I’m also thinking about taking a course on understanding autism to build my knowledge further. I believe every new skill and bit of knowledge helps me improve and grow. I would suggest to anyone who is looking to work in a school to undertake courses or programmes where you can learn about how to support children with additional needs as it is quite an important part of a teaching assistant role.

One of the best parts of my new job is how convenient it is. I can drop my son off at school and start my workday right there. It’s made life so much easier for our family. I found this job on a website called Eteach, which lists school jobs. I checked it regularly because I wanted something close to home. When the vacancy appeared, it felt like the perfect fit.

If I could give one piece of advice to others looking for work, it would be this: keep going. Keep applying, keep going to interviews, and don’t give up. Even if you don’t get the job, you gain experience with each interview. You learn what to expect, you build your confidence, and eventually, you’ll find the right opportunity. That’s what happened to me.

Working with GRoW was also a turning point for me. When I started, I had been out of work for a while, and my confidence was low. But the job at GRoW reminded me that I’m capable. I enjoyed meeting new people, helping them, and feeling like I was contributing again. That experience made me feel ready when this teaching assistant role came along.

I’m so happy to be where I am now, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve had along the way. Every experience has been a step forward, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing in my new role.”

 

Amna Builds Confidence and Skills Through the GRoW Programme

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Amna joined the GRoW Programme looking for ways to rebuild her confidence and gain new skills. She hadn’t worked formally before in the UK but had worked as a volunteer before COVID. Amn’s journey with GRoW has been transformative and now she is volunteering as both a Parent Champion and working with HomeStart Hillingdon, and has just completed her Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification with Get Set UK, as part of the GRoW Programme. Now Amna is looking to undertake a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification and is now working towards a career in this field.

Amna said; “When I first joined GRoW, I was feeling very unsure. I hadn’t worked before, only volunteered in schools a long time ago. After COVID, I lost my confidence and my communication skills. I felt nervous even to talk to new people. But through GRoW’s coffee mornings and meeting others like me, I started to feel encouraged. The GRoW team really supported me, especially Michelle and Sheeja, and it made me feel like I was not alone.

Now, I am volunteering as a Parent Champion and with HomeStart Hillingdon. For HomeStart, I’m attending training every Wednesday for nine sessions. After that, they will match me with a family, and I will visit them to provide support, listen to their problems, and let them know they’re not alone. I’m there to help, but if they need advice, I speak with the coordinator. It feels good to know that I am making a difference and helping people.

With the Parent Champions, I attend sessions and help as a translator for Urdu if anyone needs it. It’s a great way for me to give back to the community and use my language skills to help others.

Through GRoW, I also found out about the Teaching Assistant course. I completed my Level 2 certificate, and now I’m preparing my CV with Sheeja’s help. I never thought I would want to work as a Teaching Assistant, but GRoW has changed my mindset. I’m even planning to take Level 3 later this year! Now, I feel ready to apply to schools and see where this path can take me.

Joining GRoW was one of the best decisions I made. It gave me confidence, skills, and a support network. I now feel ready to balance volunteering and work, and I am excited for the future. I know that, with GRoW by my side, I can achieve my goals.”

Sunita Builds Skills and Confidence for a Future in Education

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Sunita is a mother to a child with Downs Syndrome, who first learned about the GRoW Programme a year before signing up. At that time, she wasn’t quite ready to take the next step, but she held onto the information, knowing that GRoW might be the support she’d need when the timing was right for both her and her child. Now with her son settled in secondary school, Sunita felt ready to start her journey back into work. GRoW provided her with the encouragement and resources to take that first step, helping her pursue a career that fits her family’s needs.

Sunita said “I recently completed the Children and Young People’s Mental Health course through GRoW which has been such an inspiring and informative experience for me. So much so that I’m now planning to take a Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification. GRoW has been so supportive in helping me on my journey and I now feel I am on a path to the future.

I first heard about GRoW back in the summer of 2023 at a community event at the Civic Centre in Hillingdon. A member of the GRoW team was there, sharing information about the support they offer. I kept the leaflet, knowing that one day, I might be ready to take that next step. Finally, in September of this year, I reached out and began my journey with GRoW.

I’m a mother, and my son has Downs Syndrome, so finding work that fits around his needs has always been a priority. GRoW really understood this, and they recommended I start with the Children and Young People’s Mental Health course. It was perfect for me as I want to work part-time in a school, where my son’s school hours align with work hours.

The course was incredibly informative. It gave me a deeper understanding of mental health, especially how important early intervention can be for children. Coming from a different cultural background, mental health wasn’t something we discussed openly, so this course opened my eyes to the importance of recognising and supporting children’s mental health. Learning about the stigma surrounding mental health was a revelation, and I felt empowered to help create a supportive environment for children.
GRoW made the enrolment process so simple; I didn’t have to wait long, and the GRoW Advisers, Saeema and Sheeja, were there to support me every step of the way. The course itself was delivered online over three weeks, with a tutor guiding us through each session. I felt like I was part of a community, learning alongside others who shared similar goals.

Now, I’m looking forward to the next step: enrolling in the Level 2 Teaching Assistant course. I recently completed an English assessment, and I’m hopeful I’ll pass. I’ve gained so much confidence through GRoW’s support, and I feel like I’m on the right path. GRoW also sends regular updates and motivational messages, which keep me inspired and remind me that I’m not alone on this journey.
I feel so much more confident since joining GRoW I’m excited now to see where this journey leads me.

Masiha Begins a New Role in Retail

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Mum of one Masiha recently joined the GRoW Programme when she was referred from her Universal Credit coach at the job centre and has now found a job as a Retail Assistant at Home Bargains in West Drayton.

Masiha said “A few weeks ago, I applied for Universal Credit. During my first job centre appointment, they asked if I wanted a job and how long I had been unemployed. I told them I was actively looking for a job and they mentioned a programme called GRoW, which helps women, especially mums, find jobs. I was interested, so they referred me to GRoW.

One of the GRoW advisers called me, and we scheduled an appointment. During our first meeting, she referred me to some Functional Skills courses and helped me with my job applications. I mentioned that I had an interview with Specsavers, and she offered to help me prepare for it. Karen, one of her colleagues, conducted a mock interview with me, which was incredibly helpful.

I wasn’t expecting such comprehensive support from GRoW. I thought it was just a motivational programme, but they provided practical help, including interview preparation. One day, while scrolling through the GRoW app, I saw a job posting for Home Bargains. They were opening a new store nearby, so I applied.
Within a few days, Home Bargains contacted me. They initially said they would get back to me within a week, but it took a bit longer. Meanwhile, I was also waiting to hear back from Specsavers, but that role was in Putney, which is quite far from where I live in Ruislip. Home Bargains, on the other hand, is much closer, just a 54-minute bus journey away.

I have three years of retail experience, having worked at Primark before I went on maternity leave. After my maternity leave, I couldn’t return to Primark because they needed someone full-time, and I could only work part-time on weekends. I then worked as a caregiver for a year, but the job wasn’t secure enough. With my own caring responsibilities, it was too difficult to coordinate the hours they were willing to offer me. I also did some freelance interpreting work from home.

My personal life has been challenging. My husband and I divorced, and I had no financial support, which led me to apply for Universal Credit. My daughter, who is now in nursery part-time, has special needs, so I need to be available for her during the week. That’s why I can only work weekends.

Home Bargains offered me a part-time position with shifts on weekends, which suits my schedule perfectly. I can work two four-hour shifts on Saturdays and Sundays, and possibly a late Friday evening shift if needed. The contract states that it’s eight hours over a maximum of two days, which works well for me.
The help I received from GRoW was amazing. Karen, my adviser, went above and beyond. Even though I was registered with job search websites I never saw the Home Bargains job advertised and if I wasn’t part of the GRoW community, I wouldn’t have known about it. As soon as I saw it, I applied and secured an interview within a week.

I’m excited to start this new chapter and grateful for the support from GRoW. They helped me find a job that fits my needs and prepared me for the interview process. Now, I’m looking forward to starting my new job at Home Bargains and providing for my daughter.

Navya Gets Ready for Work

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Navya joined the GRoW Programme in August 2024, looking for support as she transitioned into the UK job market. With her background studies in Human Resources and logistics, Navya has been keen to find a role that fits her skills and experience. Now as part of the GRoW Programme she has been actively engaged with GRoW’s activities and is looking forward to starting her journey to work.

Navya said, “I came across the GRoW Programme through a friend at my daughter’s school. They had given me a flyer, and I decided to go and meet the team. That’s how I found out about all the support available, and I’m really glad I did.

I’ve been in the UK for about two years now, but I only started looking for a job after finishing my studies. I completed a master’s degree in Human Resources, and I’m particularly interested in roles in HR, administration, or logistics. When I was in the Middle East, I worked in HR and logistics, so I have some experience, but it’s been a challenge finding the right opportunity here.

When I joined GRoW, Liz Sewell, GRoW’s director provided me with valuable feedback on how to approach job applications which was really useful. Another really helpful part of the programme has been the CV workshops. Karen is helping me improve my CV, and I will feel much more confident applying for jobs when that is done. I’ve already started applying and am hopeful that I will secure something soon. I’ve also attended some of the online sessions, including coffee mornings, which have been really motivating. Talking to others in the same situation has inspired me to keep going.

I haven’t had any interviews yet, but I’m planning to attend the interview practice workshop to prepare myself. The support from the GRoW team has been fantastic, and I’m really looking forward to what comes next.

My goal is to find a role that fits my experience though I am open to any opportunities for full time work. Thanks to the GRoW Programme, I feel like I’m on the right track.”

Meet Emma – From GRoW Participant to Business Starter

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Emma is a mother to 5 children with ages ranging from 6 to 22 years old. Emma first joined the GRoW Programme during the challenging times of the lockdown in 2020. Having never worked before, she embarked on the programme as a way to find confidence and direction. Her journey has since come full circle as she is now working with the GRoW team in Lambeth, helping to engage new participants. She’s not only helping others but also developing plans to start her own cleaning business, with support from Mercedes, who runs the GRoW Your Own Business programme.

Emma said: “Right when lockdown happened in 2020, I joined the GRoW Programme which had transformed into an all-online programme. Although I had done voluntary work, I hadn’t done any paid work before and was lacking in confidence. Being a mum kept me busy, but when I came to the programme, I wasn’t sure where to start. I had heard about GRoW from my children’s school and it just felt like the right time. The programme really helps you figure out what you want to do and where you want to go, and for me, that was huge.

The biggest thing I took away from GRoW was confidence. Before, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do. But through the workshops and the support I received, I started to believe in myself. I hadn’t worked before, but after finishing the programme, I managed to get a job in retail. It wasn’t something I had planned, but GRoW helped me put together my CV and prepare for interviews. I even attended a CV workshop, and that was a game-changer. I learned to adapt my CV for different jobs, which was something I hadn’t thought about before.

Before joining GRoW, I had only done voluntary work – things like helping out in a nursery and at my children’s school. That gave me some experience, but I never thought I could actually use it to get a paid job. The GRoW team helped me see that everything I had done was valuable. And that’s a message I want to share with other women – just because you haven’t had paid work doesn’t mean you don’t have skills and experience.

Now, I’m not in retail anymore because the shop I was working at closed down. But that gave me the chance to think about what I really want to do, and that’s to start my own cleaning business. I’m getting support from Mercedes who runs the GRoW Your Own Business programme, and it’s been amazing. She’s helping me with everything from understanding self-employment to setting up my business plan. It’s exciting to think about being my own boss.

I’m also helping out with the Lambeth programme now, working to engage new participants. It feels good to give back and to be able to say to others, ‘I was in your shoes, and look where I am now.’ GRoW opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn’t considered before. It’s not just about getting a job; it’s about figuring out what you truly want to do and then going for it. That’s what I’m doing now, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support.”

Nandhini’s Journey to Becoming a Teaching Assistant

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Nandhini recently secured a job as a teaching assistant in a primary school with the support of the GRoW Programme. After moving to the UK from India in March 2023, Nandhini was keen to re-establish her career after a six-year break to raise her son. She wanted to find a role that would allow her to work while balancing her family responsibilities. Nandhini was an excellent participant on the GRoW Programme in Hillingdon, taking full advantage of our online and in-person events and has seen her confidence grow and develop as a result.

Nandhini said “I have received lots of training and support through GRoW such as the in-person Bootcamp, the GRoW Timeline session, coffee mornings, Daily Steps ESOL Training, Functional Skills Training and Multiply Training, as well as important courses in Safeguarding and Data Protection, all of which have helped me prepare for working in a school, which was my goal. All of these sessions have also helped me build my confidence which is something I was really lacking at first.

As well as the online support I was also given lots of support from Saeema and Sheeja at the GRoW HQ in Hayes. It was great being able to visit and talk to them face to face and get advice about what I needed to do to move forward with my plans. They were very helpful and gave me lots of encouragement and guidance. As well as the training and professional development I have done through GRoW I also did an Early Years Foundation course that was useful and helped when I applied to teaching recruitment agencies.

Since starting the GRoW Programme I feel I have really gained so much confidence, just being with other women like myself, meeting new friends, networking and talking makes such a difference in itself, not to mention the dedicated support around finding a job that really interests me and suits my life circumstances. I started my new job this week and am really looking forward to my future.