For the last 4 years nearly I've been working with children in some capacity and love it. Especially younger kids. I was wondering if there is anyone out there with some ideas as to what a good long term job would be outside of teaching.

I have completed E111 and U212 with relative ease. Have also done 2 short astronomy courses purely for interest value, which could go towards an open degree I suppose.

The stress of teaching is not appealing to me at the moment but seem blank on ideas as to what would be rewarding career wise without having to suffer the low wages of Learning Mentors, which I currently am.

have you looked into youth work of any kind or support groups for young people, or even social work, probation work, supporting young offenders

i think the experience you have had so far will stand you in good stead for that role

YOT is interesting. I did some training with them. They do like you to be a volunteer however before employment comes your way.

Had a friend who was a Youth Worker. Had to give that up due to lack of money...couldn't get enough hours doing it.

Youth work is much better paid than school work, although hours are a problem. From your posts you seem to have an afinity with young people, why not finish your degree and then go into teaching at an FE college. My partner was teaching 14-16 year olds who had been permanently excluded from everywhere else so it was challenging but very rewarding work. Not as well paid as school teachers, but better than support workers.

I'm looking into either educational or clincal psychology, teaching but only SEBD, social work and I also keep checking our council website for interesting jobs. I saw one yesterday for a sports development leader, so always worth keeping an eye out.