Building Strong Partnerships: Jacob on Working with The Kids Network

At The Kids Network, we know that the success of our mentoring programme depends not only on the bond between mentor and child, but also on the strong relationships we build with schools. For Jacob, former Pastoral Care Manager at Hargrave Park Primary, partnering with TKN over the past three years has provided a reliable and impactful way to support pupils who need a little extra connection.

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“When I first heard of the provision that TKN provide, I was immediately drawn to the type of support they offer,” Jacob explains. “I’ve worked with multiple mentoring agencies, but the level of detail that TKN go into with their service felt very unique and different.”

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From the very start, that detail stood out. Before a mentoring match even begins, TKN takes time to meet with the child in school, learn about their interests, and involve parents and school staff in the process. “This has allowed for the network around the child to be very robust and planned before the mentoring even happens,” Jacob shares. “As a Pastoral Care Manager, I like to be involved and aware of any support the child is receiving internally and externally from school.”

Another feature Jacob values is the year-long commitment and the monthly activity budget that children can use with their mentors. “A lot of our pupils needed more than a short intervention – TKN provides that.”

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For Jacob, what sets TKN apart is not only the duration of the programme but also the quality of communication. “The regular communication with school professionals, including relevant safeguarding updates, allows us to be attuned to the child’s needs.” That collaborative approach means schools are never left in the dark, and the mentoring complements the wider pastoral strategy.

The results at Hargrave Park have been clear:

• Increased self-esteem – children reported feeling more confident and positive.
  
  
• Improved wellbeing – pupils were happier in school and more engaged.
  
  
• Consistent reflection – children regularly shared updates about their mentoring activities with staff, reinforcing the school’s role in their development.
  
  

“All of the pupils talk about it regularly and will update me on activities they’ve done or places they’ve been,” Jacob says. “The early foundational work before the mentoring started really helps the children to understand the link between school and TKN.”

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For Jacob, the success of the programme lies in its structure, communication, and impact. “Communication is excellent and all the children we have referred speak positively about their experiences. We have definitely seen improvements in their wellbeing since starting.”

So what would Jacob say to other schools thinking about working with TKN?
“There is nothing to be wary of,” he says. “The impact we’ve seen it have on the children is wonderful, and the communication with schools is excellent, meaning you’ll be involved every step of the way.”

Though Jacob has since moved on from Hargrave Park, the school has chosen to continue its partnership with The Kids Network – a testament to the lasting value and impact of the programme.

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At The Kids Network, we’re proud to work alongside schools like Hargrave Park to help children feel seen, supported, and connected. Together, we can create more full childhoods for Little Londoners.

👉 If your school is interested in partnering with The Kids Network, get in touch with our Schools Partnership Lead today at p.Nagda-Swainson@thekidsnetwork.org.uk

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