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

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.