In this inspiring episode of The School Run with Jane, Jane chats with Kelly Cox, Head of School Partnerships at Wavelength, an education technology platform helping young people access maths in a more personalised, confidence-building way.

Kelly’s story is anything but ordinary. After attending 15 different schools, moving across the UK and beyond, becoming the first in her family to go to university, travelling the world for almost a decade, accidentally discovering teaching in South Korea, and later working in UK schools, Kelly has built a life shaped by resilience, curiosity and service.

Together, Jane and Kelly explore what school teaches us — and what it often doesn’t.

They talk about friendship, confidence, belonging, career choices, travel, neurodiversity, maths anxiety, teaching, faith, transferable skills, and why every young person deserves to feel understood.

Kelly also shares how Wavelength supports schools, teachers, SENCOs, parents and young people by helping pupils learn in a way that works for their brain — especially those who may be neurodiverse, disengaged, anxious, or struggling to access maths in a traditional classroom.

This is a warm, thoughtful and uplifting conversation about finding your path, learning differently, and remembering that confidence often grows when we feel truly seen.

In this episode, we talk about:

* What it was like attending 15 different schools

* Being the first in the family to go to university

* Why transferable skills matter so much

* How travel can shape confidence and independence

* Teaching in South Korea and discovering a passion for education

* Supporting young people with additional needs

* Neurodiversity, maths confidence and personalised learning

* Why teachers need tools that help them understand the whole child

* How Wavelength supports schools across the UK

* Confidence as something others may see before we feel it ourselves

* Friendship, belonging and choosing your circle wisely

* What school should teach young people about life and themselves

Guest

Kelly Cox

https://www.wavelength.org/

kelly@wavelength.org

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea and Chocolate fudge brownie Frappe with soya milk, coffee and cream (Liv’s favourite) when we are planning them out please click here …..[https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun⁠⁠ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials \@‌theschoolrun_official / \@‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at liv@schoolrunpodcast.com

mrsjanejames@icloud.com

Links: For information of Jane’s company Little Voices head to*

http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠ http://www.littlevoices.org.uk

**Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.**

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real⁠ https://vault.makingdigitalreal.co.uk/

In this episode of The School Run Podcast: Little Voices, Big Stories, Jane chats with Anne-Marie Martin; founder and franchisor of Diddi Dance, newly appointed CEO of the Children’s Activities Association, marathon finisher, charity fundraiser and passionate advocate for collaboration, inclusion and raising standards across the children’s activity sector.

Anne-Marie shares her inspiring journey from a little girl in Derby who fell in love with dance at just three years old, to training professionally, performing commercially, launching Diddi Dance, building a successful franchise network and now leading the CAA into its next exciting chapter.

Together, Jane and Anne-Marie talk openly and honestly about confidence, rejection, resilience, perfectionism, motherhood, leadership during lockdown and the reality that none of us have all the answers.

This episode is packed with warmth, humour, honesty and inspiration and is a powerful reminder that finding your calling can happen at any stage of life.

In this episode, we discuss:

* Anne-Marie’s journey into dance and performing arts

* How Diddi Dance began and grew into a franchise network

* What the Children’s Activities Association (CAA) does and why it matters

* Raising standards in the children’s activities sector

* The importance of safeguarding, compliance and external validation

* Why helping children find “their thing” matters so much

* Confidence, resilience and dealing with rejection

* The realities of entrepreneurship and franchising

* Leadership, collaboration and community in business

* Motherhood, perfectionism and personal growth

* Running the London Marathon for Caudwell Children

* TikTok, visibility and stepping outside your comfort zone

* What Anne-Marie would tell her younger self

About Anne-Marie Martin

Anne-Marie Martin is the founder and franchisor of Diddi Dance, a preschool dance franchise helping children discover movement, music and confidence through fun and engaging classes across the UK.

She is also the newly appointed CEO of the Children’s Activities Association (CAA), a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising standards, supporting providers and promoting safety and best practice across the children’s activity sector.

Alongside her work in business, Anne-Marie is a passionate advocate for collaboration, inclusion and creating opportunities for children and families through movement and creativity.

Guest Links

Find out more about Diddi Dance and the Children’s Activities Association online, and follow Anne-Marie on Instagram and TikTok as @OriginalDiddiDancer.

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

What does confidence really mean? And what do we wish school had taught us about life, resilience and being ourselves?

In this inspiring episode of The School Run with Jane: Little Voices, Big Stories, Jane is joined by long-time friend, fellow franchisor and founder of The Creation Station — Sarah Cressall OBE.

Sarah shares her remarkable journey from growing up in the North West of England to building one of the UK’s leading creative arts franchise networks and being awarded an OBE for services to creativity in education and business.

Together, Jane and Sarah explore:

* Why confidence is something we build — not something we’re born with

* The life lessons school often misses

* Creativity as a tool for resilience, wellbeing and connection

* The power of mums, mentors and role models

* Franchising, leadership and building purpose-led businesses

* Why arts and creativity matter more than ever for children

* How stepping outside your comfort zone changes your life

* The impact of creativity in care homes, schools and communities

* What Sarah’s mum taught her about courage, kindness and possibility

* Why “being yourself” may be the greatest lesson of all

Sarah also opens up about:

* Losing her father at a young age

* Growing up with six siblings

* Living with severe SPD during motherhood

* Starting a business while raising three boys under three and a half

* Learning to embrace failure, growth and reinvention

This episode is full of warmth, wisdom, laughter and honest reflections on parenting, business, confidence and finding your purpose.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, creative, entrepreneur or someone navigating life’s next chapter — this conversation will leave you inspired.

About Sarah Cressall OBE

Sarah is the founder of The Creation Station — an award-winning arts and crafts franchise supporting creativity, confidence and connection for children and adults across the UK. She is also an author, speaker and passionate advocate for the power of creativity in education, wellbeing and community.

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

It is brought to you by Little Voices so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

In this heartfelt episode of The School Run Podcast, Jane is joined by Lynsey Clarke— wife, mum of two, chartered surveyor, and now trainee naturopathic nutritionist, naturopath and homeopath.

Lynsey shares how she followed the traditional path from school to university and into a secure professional career, only to realise later in life that security and success do not always equal passion or purpose.

This conversation explores grief, motherhood, career change, confidence, and the courage it takes to question the path you thought you were supposed to follow.

Lynsey speaks openly about losing her dad to suicide, navigating life on the “hamster wheel”, and how her son Hugo’s health journey led her to explore natural health, nutrition, naturopathy and homeopathy.

Together, Jane and Lynsey discuss:

* Why school often prepares us to work for someone else, but not necessarily to follow our own path

* The pressure children feel to perform academically

* Why every child has something amazing to share

* The importance of trusting your instincts as a parent

* How lived experience can become purpose

* Why confidence often comes from pushing outside your comfort zone

* The power of questioning systems while still seeking support

* How it is never too late to change direction

This episode is honest, emotional and deeply thought-provoking — a reminder that sometimes the hardest chapters of our lives lead us towards the work we are truly meant to do.

Please note: Lynsey shares her personal lived experience and views in this episode. This conversation is not intended as medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional when making decisions about health, treatment or medication.

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

\

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

What if the most important lessons in life… were never taught in school?

In this very special episode of The School Run Podcast, we do something we’ve never done before in over three and a half years—no guest, no interview… just a real, raw and honest life update.

Jane hands the mic over to Liv—co-founder of the podcast—who shares what life has really been like since stepping away from the show and into the world of work.

After navigating a challenging A-Level experience and feeling uncertain about her next steps, Liv opens up about how she found her path through a degree apprenticeship—and what she’s learned just four months into corporate life.

From fear of picking up the phone… to making 100 calls a week.

From tears in the bathroom at her first networking event… to building real confidence.

From self-doubt… to discovering her voice in a whole new way.

This episode is full of the lessons young people (and adults!) are rarely taught:

* Why doing the thing that scares you changes everything

* The power of persistence (even when no one replies!)

* How confidence is built—not something you’re born with

* Why relationships matter more than job titles

* And how life experience often teaches us more than qualifications ever could

Liv also reflects on how The School Run Podcast and Little Voices helped shape the skills that opened doors for her—and why she knows this isn’t the end of her podcast journey… just the beginning of a new chapter.

Whether you’re a parent, a young person finding your way, or someone navigating change—this episode will remind you that there is no one path… only your path.

And you’re allowed to grow into it.

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

\

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

In this episode of The School Run, Jane is joined by the multi-talented Sarah Dover, professional singer, teacher, and performer whose journey from a 10-year-old history-making chorister to a "weddings and events extraordinaire" is nothing short of inspiring.

Jane and Sarah share a unique bond; not only did Sarah teach for Little Voices, but they both trained under the same renowned vocal coach, Jane Irwin. Sarah opens up about the highs of performing, the physical and mental battle of undergoing major spinal surgery at 16, and why she is passionate about protecting the creative spark in every child.

In This Episode, we Discuss:

• Breaking History: Sarah’s experience as one of the first girl choristers at Durham Cathedral in 800 years.

• Resilience through Recovery: The terrifying moment Sarah lost her voice due to major spinal surgery & how she fought to get it back for Chetham’s School of Music.

• The "Squiggly" Career: Transitioning from the high-pressure world of opera to building a flourishing wedding and events business.

• The Creative Classroom: Why music teachers are the gatekeepers of personality in a rigid education system.

• Confidence as a Tool: What it means to "sound like enough" and why you should never listen to the people who say "you can't."

Connect with Sarah Dover:

• Instagram:

@sarahdovermusic

Support The School Run:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying us a virtual coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

\

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

What do you wish school had taught you about understanding yourself?

In this episode of The School Run, Jane is joined by Jayne Marie Pooley (Jaynee), a marketing expert of 30 years now Creative Therapist and Little Voices Principal.

Jaynee shares her incredible journey from being inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s son to navigating a terrifying family health crisis that led her back to her true passion: the arts. We dive deep into why "joining the dots" of your life matters, the power of listening to build resilience in children, and how to find your "Ikigai”

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• ​ The Squiggly Career: How Jaynee transitioned from high-level marketing for tech giants like Microsoft to running her own Little Voices franchise.
• ​ Creativity as Healing: The moving story of how singing and drawing helped Jaynee’s daughter recover from a sudden illness.
• ​ Neurodiversity in Education: Why rigid curriculums often miss a child’s true potential and the importance of creative problem-solving.
• ​ Finding Your Tribe: Jaynee’s experience joining the Little Voices network and why she felt like she was "coming home."
• ​ The Power of a "No-Connectivity" School Run: A beautiful memory of a simple walk home that changed everything.

Connect with Jaynee:

• ​ Website: www.littlevoices.org.uk/cotswolds
• ​ Social Media: littlevoicescotswolds
• ​ Email: cotswolds@littlevoices.org.uk

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

\

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials \@‌theschoolrun_official / \@‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

What does it mean to be a "Child Champion"?

In this week’s episode of The School Run, Jane is joined by the world-renowned safeguarding consultant, Ann-Marie Christian. From her early days as a foster sister to her 30-year career as a registered social worker and international consultant, Ann-Marie shares her deeply personal journey of advocacy. Together, they discuss the evolution of child protection, the "affluent neglect" often overlooked in wealthy communities, and how we can empower our children to listen to their "early warning signs.

In this episode, we discuss:

• ​ The Origins of Passion: How a childhood encounter with a neighbour in distress and growing up in a fostering household shaped Ann-Marie’s career.
• ​ The Evolution of Safeguarding: Moving from "welfare" to a proactive culture of empowerment and the impact of the #MeToo movement.
• ​ Listening to the Body: How to teach children to recognise their "early warning signs"—from racing hearts to tummy aches.
• ​ Affluent Neglect: Breaking the myth that safeguarding issues only happen in disadvantaged areas.
• ​ Legacy & Inspiration: A tribute to Ann-Marie’s 93-year-old mother, the original "magic" welfare officer.

Connect with Ann-Marie Christian:

• ​ Website: https://annmariechristian.com/
• ​ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-christian-frsa

• ​ Specialism: International Safeguarding, DSL Training, and Cultural Competence.

Brought to you by Little Voices:

Nurturing confidence and big futures through drama and singing.

Podcasts for us are all about learning and sharing, of course free to listen to.

We have some small costs to cover so if you would like to buy us a virtual cup of tea /coffee when we are planning them out please click here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theschoolrun

\

Get In Touch: Of course, you can always get in touch with us (publicly or privately) on our socials @‌theschoolrun_official / @‌mrsjanejames on Instagram, or search and follow Jane James on Facebook. We'd love to hear your story - please get in touch with us directly at jane@littlevoices.org.uk

Links: For information on Jane’s company Little Voices head to http://www.littlevoices.org.uk⁠⁠

@littlevoiceslimited

You will often hear references to The Olive Jar to find out more follow @theolivejarcourse

www.theolivejar.online

‌

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this podcast are of the participants themselves. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. We are just a mum and daughter, sharing their thoughts and chatting with guests that we really respect and sharing our personal stories and insights. Please seek professional advice if you need it.

This episode is edited by Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real