Finding rewarding work as a single mother
Courtney, 24, from Doncaster, had worked as a cashier, carer and in a placement at a nursery before she had her son. However, when she became a single parent and found out her child was on the pathway for autism, she struggled to find work and was unemployed for over two years.
She found it difficult to find a role that could fit around her family responsibilities, especially as her son only attended school for a few hours each morning. But in January 2024, she began to be supported by the Restart Scheme, delivered by our partners, The Growth Company.
When Courtney met her Employment Advisor, Tia Hughes, she expressed a desire to work with children, particularly those with learning difficulties. She believed this work would not only be rewarding but a great way to utilise the skills she had learnt as a single parent.
Tia began by helping Courtney rewrite her CV and search for roles that would fit around her son’s needs. Tia also helped Courtney enrol in an Introduction to Neuroscience in the Early Years course with North Notts College, which she was then able to add to her qualifications.
Thinking back over how the team helped her, Courtney explained: “We had regular meetings to discuss what I wanted to do career-wise and to discuss personal things. Tia helped me sign up for some courses to help further my knowledge in my chosen career.”
Tia quickly found a job opening at a Communication Needs College and helped Courtney through the interview process, especially with her supporting statement. With the team’s help, Courtney impressed at interview and successfully secured the job.
Tia was very impressed by Courtney’s attitude from the start, she said: “Courtney showed tremendous resilience, working hard to prepare for her future while managing her responsibilities as a single parent.”
The team continued to support Courtney by signposting her to the Jobcentre for help with her 30-hour childcare code, helping her then secure funding at her son’s previous nursery.
Now that Courtney has started working as an Educational Support Worker, working with older individuals who have communication difficulties, she feels she can really make a difference.
Courtney would recommend the Restart Scheme to others who are in her position: “My time on the Restart Scheme has been so helpful. I believe that without the help of Tia, I wouldn’t be in the position I am now. She understood my situation with my son and helped me work towards my goals. We had regular meetings, and she guided me through the entire process. I truly believe that I wouldn’t have gotten this job if it wasn’t for the Restart Scheme.”
