Natalie was a children’s support worker at a contact centre supervising visits between children and their families and working with children with disabilities, before deciding to follow her passion to work in education. To start with she was unsure of the exact career path she wanted to take, so she worked on supply to try a few different roles and settings to see what would suit her best.

She says: “I have always wanted to work in education, supporting children who need it most as it’s something I am passionate about. When I decided to move from support work into education, I was still unsure exactly what role I wanted to do, so doing supply was a great option as I had the opportunity to try lots of different roles. It’s been fantastic to build my knowledge and gain lots of experience.”

While taking the opportunity to learn and grow doing supply work, Natalie has found roles that she really loves and feels like she is making a difference to children’s lives. She shares: “Since joining Vision for Education, I’ve always had lots of work and I’ve done placements at several different schools as a SEND TA/1:1. My favourite has been working one-to-one with looked after children, supporting them in schools and carrying out outreach work.

“I have worked with some amazing children and feel like I have made a difference in their lives by supporting them when they have been in crisis. Seeing how that has helped them has definitely been my biggest achievement.”

Natalie has found that supply work has really suited her. She shares: “Supply work is flexible and easily fits around my family commitments. Vision for Education has even managed to find me a long-term placement where I have been able to go from part-time up to full-time hours, which suits me and my family perfectly.”

Working on supply has enabled Natalie to further her career and she would recommend it to others. She says: “Supply work is ideal for someone who is unsure exactly what role they want to further their career in, and it allows you to be flexible around home life. Don’t be afraid to try different roles you may not have tried before, and always ask your agency for help as they are there to support you! Vision for Education are very helpful and they are always there for you.”

Make your move into education

If you want to start a career in education and have previously worked in social/care/youth work, children’s residential homes, sports coaching, care homes, mental health support, or similar, we can help you make that move. Explore our support and SEND support vacancies, or call your local branch today, we’d love to help you.