Anisha Starts New Role as Learning Support Assistant

Anisha from West Drayton recently started a new job as a Learning Support Assistant at a local school, marking her return to work after several years of focusing on her family. With support from Grow, and especially her adviser Sheeja, Anisha was able to tailor her CV and build the skills and confidence needed to pursue a role that fits around her children.

Anisha said: “I’d worked in HR before, but after moving countries and taking a break to raise my two children, I wasn’t sure how to start again. A friend recommended Grow and it’s been a real turning point.”

With guidance from Sheeja, Grow referred Anisha to enrol on three courses that helped her prepare for a career in education: Preparing to Work in Schools and Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health through Runway Training, and a course on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) through South London Partnership. The SEND course, in particular, helped her secure her current role, where supporting children with additional needs is a key part of her work.

“Sheeja really helped me reshape my CV,” said Anisha. “I didn’t have teaching experience, but she helped me highlight my skills as a parent and show how they could be relevant to working with children.”

Before securing her current job, Anisha also gained experience through agency work, which boosted her confidence and gave her valuable insight into school environments. She started her new role in November and is now working term-time, every day, in a school close to home.

“When I first came to Grow at the start of 2025 I didn’t know where to start and had no idea of what was expected of me to work in a school. Grow was able to put me on the right path and I’m really enjoying it,” she said. “It feels good to be back in work, doing something that fits around my children and helps me keep learning too.”