Headssup

**Me. Aged 11.**

I’d just started Notre Dame Grammar School for Girls in Woolton.

Behind that smile was a little girl who knew no one, was terrified, lacked confidence and had a pretty wobbly start to secondary school.

I even caught the *really* early school bus just to avoid the crowded one. 🚌

Back then, I didn’t know how to draw confidence from the things that made me *me* — my qualities, hobbies and interests. I bumbled along for a few years instead of feeling proud of who I was.

**And that’s a big part of why I do what I do now. ❤️**

The Year 6 → Year 7 transition can be huge for some children.

Through **Headssup transition sessions**, I help 10 and 11-year-olds:

✨ Strengthen their sense of self & confidence
✨ Prepare for the adjustments ahead
✨ Navigate new friendships and challenges
✨ Recognise bullying, speak up & set boundaries

Sessions can be 1:1, small groups or whole classes — and this week I’m working with an entire Year 7 group at their new secondary school’s summer school.

I read recently: *“You only have to make two people proud in your life: your 10-year-old self and your 80-year-old self.”*

That’s one down. One to go. ❤️

LOOK AT THIS!! 🥹💛

I’ve been working with two wonderful children, aged 6 and 9, in their family home in Aughton.
Over just 3 x 1-hour sessions, we’ve explored:

✨ Feelings & friendships
✨ Boundaries & resolving conflict
✨ Preparing for the Year 6 transition

We use our lovely mascot Emi to help the children identify, understand and communicate their feelings.

And today, when I arrived, they couldn’t wait to show me what they’d made…

A beaded Emi!! 🥹😍
Honestly, HOW CUTE IS THIS?!

I absolutely love that Emi has made such an impression that they wanted to create their very own beaded version. 💛

Well done, guys — you’ve both been amazing! 👏

We’ve opened up our school sessions to families to celebrate 7 years of Emi and Headssup 🧡

Have the best family holiday, and I can’t wait to see you both again when you’re back! 🌟

🎒 Get School Ready with Emi! ✨

Emi is waiting to help Reception children feel confident, happy and ready for their exciting start at school.

Only 60 School Ready Packs remain — once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Each £15 pack includes:

🧸 Emi the Beanie
📚 Curriculum-linked rhyming stories
✅ Parent ‘School Ready’ tick list

Come and collect your pack on Wednesday 12th August from Gorse Hill nature reserve - Mersey View, Holly Lane, Ormskirk 1.15-2.15 - and enjoy the shaded walk through the reserve while you’re there.

I’ll be by the picnic tables near the cafe.

Don’t miss out — message now to secure your pack. Cash only please. Only 60 left.

📧 [email protected]

💛 What a year for Headssup! | 2025–26 🎓
I’ve been reflecting on just how much has happened — and how many brilliant people made it possible.

A huge thank you to Endeavour Learning Trust, particularly Gareth Caunce, Director of Primary Education, for believing in our work.

This year we’ve delivered Reception Ready Emi EYFS School Ready projects and our Headssup Year 6 Transition programme across ELT schools — with Emi reaching even more children next year. 💛

A proud moment was seeing ELT showcase the Headssup Transition Project at the DfE Northern Attendance Conference in Leeds. 🌟

Emi went to New York and I did a podcast in London with Emi’s manufacturers, Custom Toys!

I was also honoured to present an award at the ELT Awards Night — an inspiring evening celebrating inspiring people. 💛 I also delivered a fun ELT INSET day all about Transition.

🔬 Research has been another exciting part of this year.
It’s been wonderful to work again with Dr Judith Lunn and researchers at Lancaster University’s Health Innovation Centre, alongside ELT, exploring the evidence around transition and hopefully taking this into a larger Lancashire research project.

I also shared the Headssup story at Lancaster University’s Collaboration Café — our journey, successes, challenges and hopes for the future.

And we celebrated our 7th Birthday!! 🎂

🎲 And there’s something NEW coming…
Lancaster University Design students have developed a prototype Year 6 Transition board game with us, based on our transition sessions and Year 7 follow-up survey. It’s heading towards print, ready for 2026–27!

🥈 Congratulations to our Silver Award schools for their continued commitment to Year 6 Transition:
All ELT schools and Holmeswood • Mere Brow • St Mary’s Scarisbrick • Aughton St Michael’s • Staining • Baines Endowed • Carleton St Hilda’s • Stalmine • Poulton St Chad’s • Shakespeare • Forton • Garstang St Thomas’s • Charles Saer

Next stop… GOLD! 🥇

And to the people behind the scenes…
💛 Lisa Jones, my fellow Director and SEND specialist
🎨 Andy at ABC Design, who brings our resources to life
💻 My son Will, my emergency designer! 😄
🛍️ Clive & Amy at KC Workwear, for our fabulous Headssup bags
🖨️ Steve at FlexiPress Printing, for our booklets, posters and resources!

And perhaps the biggest thank you goes to the children and young people — from our little ones in EYFS, to our Year 6s preparing for secondary school and the Year 7s who share their experiences with us. 💛

Without you, none of this would mean anything.

Thank you for talking to us, trusting us and sharing your worries, experiences and successes. You help us make transition better for those who come after you. You are the reason Headssup exists. 🌟

To every child, school, teacher, partner, researcher, designer and supporter who has been part of Headssup this year — THANK YOU. 💛

Here’s to 2026–27! 🚀

Playing Headssup Year 6 transition game with Teddy 🤪🧡

💛 Lovely feedback from a parent of a 5 and 9 year old who both had 1:1 sessions with me:

“Would highly recommend Headssup for any children who need support with learning about and understanding emotions. Sessions were delivered professionally, pitched in an age appropriate, accessible way with excellent resources.

Jane had an engaging, kind calm manner and quickly builds positive relationships with children. These sessions were also excellent for children with additional needs.”

If your child lives in or near **Ormskirk** and could use some support with **feelings, friendships or Year 6 transition**, please get in touch. 💛

📩 Message me to chat or book a 1:1 session.

I’ve already got some bookings for this event - totally FREE!

Message me if you’re interested!

[email protected]

EXCITING NEWS!

IT'S FREE FOR THE FIRST 7 Parent(s) TO CONTACT ME