Return to education - Janice’s story

When Janice joined the Restart Scheme, she was eager to return to work after stepping away from her long-standing career in education due to a health condition. Facing low confidence and uncertainty about her future, Janice was determined not to let these challenges define her. With a passion for supporting young people and a desire to make a difference, she set out to rebuild her confidence and take the next step back into employment.

Working closely with Employment Adviser Kevin, Janice took time to reflect on the skills and experience she had built throughout her life. Following a detailed review, she recognised the value of her previous school-based work and many years of involvement with Scouts. Together, they developed a tailored CV that highlighted her strengths and showcased the transferable skills she could offer employers in the education sector.

By combining tailored employment support, wellbeing guidance and sector-specific training, the Restart Scheme helps people like Janice to rediscover their strengths, build confidence and successfully return to their careers.

To build her confidence and prepare for work, Janice fully embraced the support available through the Restart Scheme. She attended wellbeing, mindfulness and self-confidence workshops to strengthen her self-belief and motivation, while completing training in Food Hygiene and Safety, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations), Allergen Awareness, Safeguarding Children and Young People, and a Teaching Assistant pathway. This support enhanced her skills, boosted her confidence and reinforced her ambition to work in education.

The Restart Scheme can help ease the transition into work by providing financial support with essential costs such as travel, clothing and equipment, removing barriers that might otherwise prevent people from starting or sustaining employment. This practical assistance allows participants to focus on building a successful future in work with confidence.

Kevin told us: “As her confidence grew, Janice became increasingly focused on her career goals. During one of our appointments, she recognised how much she could contribute within a school environment and began actively pursuing opportunities in the sector. We arranged mock interviews with the team to prepare Janice for what to expect when the time came.

“Her efforts paid off when she was offered the role of Midday Supervisor at a local school. Janice quickly impressed her employer with her enthusiasm, reliability and wide-ranging skills. As a result, she was offered opportunities to support wraparound care, work as a Kitchen Assistant and providing cover as a Learning Support Assistant when needed.”

We wish Janice all the best in her new role and for the next chapter of her career in education.