Career change? Pastoral care in education... Where to start?

[theobstacleisthwonlyway]

Having worked in a university as an admin assistant for 10 years, I will finally be able to change circumstances in about a year or 2 (dc end of primary school) and I will be able to concentrate on myself and my career.

I would like to get into pastoral care in education, preferably secondary school. But I don't know where to start.

What courses should I be looking to do to get started? I've looked on line and it seems its all aimed at teachers. Can you do pastoral care without being a teacher?

My place of work are happy to get me on any courses because pastoral care is relevant to my current role (I deal with students on a daily basis). What courses / training should I be looking at?

Any pointers would be really helpful.

TIA

You could train as a Learning Mentor.

Thank you, London

I did look into doing this at work (staff to staff me tor scheme rather than students) however I just didn't feel I had that much to offer someone in need of guidance.

I've worked in the same role for 10 years... Part time admin... And devoted the rest of the time to being a mum. I just feel like I will be a let down to any mentees as I do t have that much experience? This could be low self esteem on my part I guess..

Sorry for typos

Being a TA is probably the best route in to learning mentor roles.

Or what about something more pastoral within HE?

I work in HE... that's a good point. I will have a look and see if there's any opportunities going. Thank you.

www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/pastoral-support-assistant-central-bedfordshire-1222866

Do you mean something like this?

That would be a great position to start with, yes! A good way to gain experience. Ultimately though I think I would like to do more 1 to 1 work with young adults / children. I'm not sure I'd want to be a full on councellor iyswim? If that's even an option.. I don't know...

Where in the country are you based OP? If you're in the SE drop me a PM and I can give you some tips!

In London atm but intend to move to Hertfordshire in the next 5 years...