Children and young people are constantly learning, growing and discovering more about themselves and the world around them. From childhood through to the teenage years, they experience many changes, meet new people, develop relationships, try new things and learn to navigate boundaries and expectations. While this can be an exciting time, it can also bring challenges. Some children and young people may struggle with confidence, resilience, social situations or forming relationships, while others may find change and new experiences particularly difficult. As they move into their teenage years, these challenges can become more complex as they experience hormonal and physical changes, increasing independence, peer pressure, academic expectations and the demands of a fast-paced world. During these important stages of development, having additional support can help children and young people understand their emotions, build confidence and resilience, develop positive relationships and learn healthy ways to manage the challenges they encounter.

Coaching can help children and young people to:

• Understand themselves and their feelings better

• Build confidence, self-esteem and resilience

• Manage worries, anxiety, anger and difficult emotions

• Develop positive friendships and family relationships

• Talk openly about worries in a safe, supportive space

• Cope with school pressures, exams and stressful situations

• Handle peer pressure and become more independent

• Improve communication and learn positive ways to respond

• Recognise their strengths and believe in themselves

• Set achievable goals and feel positive about their future

As a former headteacher, I have many years of experience working with children and young people of different ages, backgrounds and needs, across a variety of settings. At the heart of my approach is the belief that a genuine connection and relationship comes first. By taking the time to build trust and understand each young person as an individual, I can create a warm, relaxed and supportive environment where children feel comfortable being themselves.

I understand that young people communicate in different ways and that talking openly does not always come easily. I listen carefully, without judgement or pressure, and adapt my approach to help each young person find a way to express what they are thinking and feeling. Through conversation, gentle questioning and practical activities, I help them develop the confidence to communicate more openly and make sense of their emotions and experiences.

For some young people, having a trusted adult outside of their family or school can be incredibly valuable. I can provide that safe space, giving them the opportunity to talk about friendships, family life, school pressures, anxiety, confidence, emotions or simply the challenges of growing up.

Drawing on my experience in education alongside a range of coaching tools and techniques, I help young people recognise their strengths, develop their communication skills, build confidence and discover positive ways to approach challenges. Rather than telling them what to do, I will work alongside, helping the individual find their own solutions and develop strategies they can take into everyday life.

Above all, I want every young person I works with to feel heard, understood and valued. Through a strong connection and open communication, my aim is to help children feel more confident in themselves, more able to express their needs and better equipped to move forward positively.

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting a child or young person through coaching. The level of involvement will vary according to the child’s age, developmental stage, individual needs and circumstances.

Before coaching begins, I will arrange an initial online conversation with a parent or carer. This gives us an opportunity to discuss what has brought you to coaching, any concerns you may have, what you hope your child will gain from the sessions and any relevant background information. We will also consider your child’s age and stage of development and agree how parental involvement and communication will work.

For younger children, I believe regular communication with parents or carers is particularly valuable. Following a session, I can share appropriate strategies, tools or approaches that your child has been exploring and suggest ways these can be gently supported at home. Where helpful, we can also consider how other family members, including siblings, can provide positive and consistent support. I may show you simple strategies that you can use yourself between sessions, helping to reinforce what your child is learning and give them consistency beyond our coaching time. These conversations can take place after the session or, where this is not practical, at an agreed alternative time.

The child will always remain at the centre of this process. Wherever appropriate, I will involve them in these follow-up conversations so they understand what is being shared and feel that we are working together to support them, rather than adults talking about them without their involvement.

For older children and teenagers, greater privacy and independence may be appropriate. My priority is to develop a trusting relationship where they feel able to communicate openly without feeling that everything they say will automatically be reported back to a parent. I will encourage positive communication at home and, with the young person’s knowledge and where appropriate, we may agree to share goals, strategies or practical ways that parents can support their progress.

Confidentiality is an important part of building trust. What a child or young person tells me during a coaching session will generally remain private. However, confidentiality cannot be absolute where safeguarding is concerned. If I become concerned that a child or young person may be at risk of harm, that somebody else may be at risk, or information is disclosed that I am required to act upon, I will follow appropriate safeguarding procedures. Wherever it is safe and appropriate, I will explain this to the young person and involve them in what happens next.

I hold a current DBS and take my safeguarding responsibilities seriously. All coaching sessions take place online, and we will discuss beforehand how to provide an appropriate, comfortable and private environment for your child to participate.

Above all, I want children and young people to feel that coaching is something they are part of, rather than something being done to them. By working together and finding the right balance between the young person’s voice, appropriate confidentiality and parental support, we can help them develop confidence, resilience, communication skills and strategies that continue to support them outside of our sessions.

• National Professional Qualification for Headship

• National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (QTS)

• Bachelor of Education Degree

• Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health Informed Schools and Communities (Practitioner Status)