Hello,
It's a lengthy post - sorry!
For some background - I went to university with the intention of teaching in a primary school. However, during my last year at university I started to realise that I'd much rather prefer to work in a support role as opposed to a teaching role.
I still applied on for a PGCE and got through. Two weeks in I really couldn't help but feel as though my purpose was more support based as opposed to teaching based (I think this may stem from adverse experiences within my own childhood and a lack of consistent support). I left the PGCE and COVID-19 happened. I found it difficult to find any jobs during this time and came across in Business Support Officer role within a secondary school. I thought it would be a good way to get my foot in the door within a school environment in a 'support' role. Upon starting my job I realised I was also classed as a 'Safeguarding Officer' although my main purpose was dealing with referrals and paperwork I would still contact parents, agencies and speak to pupils. I never thought I'd enjoy working in a secondary school as much as I did. I always thought I was more suited to primary school.
My parents moved away from the area (in London) and I moved with them for various reasons, so I had to leave what had become my 'dream job' and move. Shortly after moving I met my partner and moved further up north to move in with him. Upon moving up north I tried to find a similar role but I struggled as I only had 6 months of experience within the previous safeguarding role.
I did a number of jobs in a school up north which included safeguarding admin (not really what it sounds like. The interaction with agencies and pupils was minimal. Didn't feel like I was making a difference at all) and SEND admin (again, didn't really enjoy this). I then got offered a HR post in this school and hated this. I realised my purpose was more to work with pupils and actually make a difference. I then temporarily worked as the Attendance Officer for this school on a six month contract before finding a job within Children’s Services in the council. I only worked there two weeks before going off sick due to pregnancy.
I'm due to go back to work next month but I can't help but feel as though the right job for me is more 'front line' whereby I'm speaking to parents/carers/agencies and pupils. I feel as though making a difference to these children and young people helps heal something within me too and allows me to feel as though I'm actively making a difference.
I don't think becoming a Social Worker is an option because I don't know if I'd be able to come with a 1 year old and studying as well as working. I also don't drive and I don't know if someone who doesn't drive suited to social work?
I have the upmost respect for social workers and what they do however, I'm also worried that the work life balance wouldn't be great with a small child of my own as I hear that social workers often have to put in a lot of extra hours. I don't mind doing this sometimes but with a child of my own I can't commit to this all the time.
My question is, based on the above what can I do and how can I gain more experience for a school to consider me for a more front line job? Similar to the one I did in London before I moved. I don't mind the paperwork that comes with safeguarding but I also want to feel like I'm making an active difference as opposed to filling out a spreadsheet behind a screen.
Thanks.