Charity Launches New Program to Facilitate Mothers’ Employment in Schools

An organization that provides training for mothers to secure positions in schools asserts that its program is profoundly impacting participants’ lives. The Women’s Work Lab, situated in Bristol, offers complimentary training courses to women who encounter difficulties in finding paid employment after having children. They are currently developing a specialized course specifically for women interested in working in schools, which will include a DBS certificate and opportunities for school placements. Reneta Atanasova, 41, who completed the program in 2023, stated: “The Women’s Work Lab has totally changed my life and given me the confidence to find a role that suits both me and my family.” Ms. Atanasova is currently employed as a learning support assistant at Avonmouth Primary School. She is a single parent to her three-year-old son, Joshua. She finished the Women’s Work Lab programme in 2023. “I lost my job working in a care home after having my baby. I just couldn’t make the unsociable hours work with childcare responsibilities too,” Ms Atanasova said. She added: “I lost all my confidence.” She mentioned discovering the Women’s Work Lab program and felt eager to determine if it could assist her in securing employment within a school setting. “I quickly realised I had so many brilliant transferable skills that would be good for working in a classroom,” Ms Atanasova said. She elaborated: “I was good at multitasking and really patient as well as having a naturally caring personality.” She concluded: “Now here I am working in the same classroom as my son and absolutely loving it.” Rachel Mostyn, co-founder of the Women’s Work Lab, highlighted the significance of such courses, noting that numerous mothers possess transferable skills and “lived experience” valuable for roles in schools. This particular program will feature an extended preparation period compared to the charity’s existing courses, designed to facilitate timely processing of DBS checks. Ms. Mostyn further explained: “The school programme would mirror our Hive programmes but with some additional elements geared towards working in an educational capacity,” She also stated: “The programme will mean that schools will have access to a more diverse talent pool of women with different backgrounds and interests as well as lived experience.” The curriculum will incorporate a four-week placement within a school, offered with a “view to gainful employment”. To stay informed, follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Further details on our external linking policy are available.