Drawing on more than two decades of experience working with young people, a former teacher has established a new coaching practice focused on helping children strengthen confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Rose Dray has launched Grow Minds Coaching after completing her certification as a children’s confidence and mindset coach. The new venture reflects her belief that many children need more individualised emotional support than schools can currently provide alone.
Ahead of the upcoming academic year, Dray intends to deliver coaching within schools, through home visits and via one-to-one sessions designed to encourage personal growth and self-confidence.
Her decision to pursue coaching was shaped by years in education as well as her experiences raising autistic twins, giving her insight into both professional and family perspectives.
Dray says coaching can work alongside existing educational support systems by creating opportunities for children to explore challenges relating to confidence, anxiety and emotional wellbeing.
“After more than 20 years in teaching, I felt there was a growing need for this type of support,” she said. “Schools are working incredibly hard, but there are increasing pressures on staff and limited time available to give children the individual attention they sometimes need.
“Coaching allows me to focus on the child as a whole person and create the space for conversations that can help build confidence and resilience over time.”
The coaching service is centred on a partnership approach involving schools, families and children.
Dray believes working within educational settings provides important insights into the wider influences affecting a child’s emotional development.
“The idea is to work within schools with children who are struggling, while also supporting families through one-to-one sessions,” she said. “When I work with children in school, I can build relationships with teachers and staff who know them well. It helps create a fuller picture of what is happening and often leads to more open and productive conversations.”
Alongside her coaching practice, Dray has authored several books dedicated to children’s wellbeing and mindset development.
Her recent publications include Behind The Brave Face, Holding Big Feelings and Big Changes, Brave Steps.
The titles address issues such as managing emotions, coping with change, building resilience and developing self-confidence.
Dray notes that increasing awareness of children’s mental health has led more parents and educators to seek specialist support services.
Experts in education and child development continue to stress the importance of providing early intervention when confidence or anxiety-related issues emerge.
As Grow Minds Coaching expands, Dray plans to introduce online coaching opportunities for small groups of children.
These sessions are expected to broaden access to support while complementing existing in-person services.
Looking forward, Dray remains focused on helping children develop the confidence and emotional tools needed to navigate school life and everyday challenges successfully.
She hopes that her combination of educational expertise, coaching knowledge and personal experience will enable Grow Minds Coaching to make a meaningful difference for children and families.