Why One Trusted Adult Can Make All the Difference

Two years into my role as CEO of The Kids Network, I am more convinced than ever of the power of early, relational support for children. Before joining TKN, I was a London headteacher, so I know first-hand the pressures schools are under and how difficult it can be to find the right support for children whose needs sit just below statutory thresholds, but who clearly need more.

Across London, schools are responding to rising emotional needs, anxiety, social challenges and the impact of poverty, alongside the core work of teaching and learning. Referring a child to The Kids Network’s mentoring programme is one practical, evidence-informed way to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and long-term development, without adding to already stretched staff workloads.

The realities children bring into school

Many primary-aged children arrive at school carrying worries that extend far beyond the classroom. Low confidence, difficulties with emotional regulation, limited access to enrichment activities and challenges with friendships can all affect learning and behaviour.

Schools do an extraordinary job, but they cannot do everything alone. What is increasingly hard to access, and increasingly needed, is consistent, one-to-one relational support from a trusted adult outside the school system.

What The Kids Network offers

Here at The Kids Network we provide year-long, one-to-one mentoring for primary school children, delivered by carefully trained volunteers. Our programme is designed to complement school provision, not replace it.

Later this year, we are excited to publish an independent evaluation of our long-term impact. Alongside our day-to-day monitoring, the evidence shows that mentoring helps children develop capacities that last well beyond their year on the programme. For schools, this means referrals are an investment in children’s long-term resilience and wellbeing, not just short-term support.

Building confidence, wellbeing and connection

Mentoring helps children develop a sense of agency, the belief that they can set goals, take action and persist even when things feel difficult. Through encouragement and shared experiences, our mentors support children to access activities and spaces they might otherwise avoid. Over time, this encouragement becomes internalised.

Children also develop emotional literacy and practical tools to manage anxiety and distress. Alumni continue to use these skills independently long after the programme comes to an end. In a system where access to specialist mental health support is limited, this early, preventative support really matters.

At the heart of our programme is a safe, trusted relationship. Children consistently describe mentoring as a space where they feel listened to, accepted and free from judgement. This emotional safety supports stronger communication, healthier friendships and greater confidence, benefits schools often see reflected in the classroom.

Why referrals matter

Early intervention works best when support is offered before challenges become entrenched. Schools are often best placed to notice when a child would benefit from additional one-to-one encouragement, confidence-building or emotional support.

Referring a child to The Kids Network gives them access to a trusted adult, new experiences beyond the classroom and skills that support learning, wellbeing and relationships for years to come.

Working in partnership with schools

We work closely with schools throughout the mentoring year, providing a named Programme Manager and regular updates, while keeping the mentoring relationship child-led and confidential.

If you work in any of the London boroughs listed below and are considering how best to support a child’s confidence or emotional wellbeing, please get in touch with our Schools Lead, Priya, to discuss your needs.

Because we all know, when children feel safe, confident and supported, they are more likely to thrive in school and beyond.

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[button text="Lambeth" url="mailto:P.Nagda-Swainson@thekidsnetwork.org.uk?subject=Mentoring%20Support%20Enquiry%3A%20Lambeth&body=Dear%20Priya%2C%0A%0AI%20hope%20you%E2%80%99re%20well.%20I%E2%80%99m%20getting%20in%20touch%20to%20start%20a%20conversation%20about%20mentoring%20support%20through%20The%20Kids%20Network%20and%20to%20explore%20whether%20a%20referral%20might%20be%20right.%0A%0ATo%20help%20guide%20an%20initial%20discussion%2C%20I%E2%80%99ve%20shared%20a%20few%20details%20below%3A%0A%0AWho%20is%20making%20this%20request%3F%0A(e.g.%20school%20staff%20member%2C%20caregiver%2C%20professional%20working%20with%20a%20child)%0A%0A%0AName%20of%20school%20or%20organisation%3A%0A%0A%0AChild%E2%80%99s%20age%3A%0A%0A%0ADoes%20the%20child%20attend%20a%20primary%20school%20in%20London%3F%20If%20so%2C%20where%3F%0A%0A%0AA%20short%20overview%20of%20the%20child%20and%20the%20reason%20for%20getting%20in%20touch%3A%0A(Please%20keep%20this%20general%20and%20avoid%20including%20identifying%20or%20sensitive%20personal%20details%20at%20this%20stage)%0A%0A%0AHow%20did%20you%20hear%20about%20The%20Kids%20Network%3F%0A(e.g.%20newsletter%2C%20email%2C%20word%20of%20mouth%2C%20social%20media)%0A%0A%0AWe%20really%20value%20taking%20the%20time%20to%20understand%20each%20child%E2%80%99s%20situation%20and%20would%20welcome%20the%20opportunity%20to%20talk%20this%20through%20with%20you%2C%20answer%20any%20questions%2C%20and%20explore%20next%20steps%20together.%0A%0AI%20look%20forward%20to%20hearing%20from%20you.%0A%0AWarm%20wishes%2C%0A%5BName%5D%0A%5BRole%5D%0A%5BSchool%20%2F%20Organisation%5D%0A%5BContact%20details%5D" target="_blank"] [button text="Southwark" url="mailto:P.Nagda-Swainson@thekidsnetwork.org.uk?subject=Mentoring%20Support%20Enquiry%3A%20Southwark&body=Dear%20Priya%2C%0A%0AI%20hope%20you%E2%80%99re%20well.%20I%E2%80%99m%20getting%20in%20touch%20to%20start%20a%20conversation%20about%20mentoring%20support%20through%20The%20Kids%20Network%20and%20to%20explore%20whether%20a%20referral%20might%20be%20right.%0A%0ATo%20help%20guide%20an%20initial%20discussion%2C%20I%E2%80%99ve%20shared%20a%20few%20details%20below%3A%0A%0AWho%20is%20making%20this%20request%3F%0A(e.g.%20school%20staff%20member%2C%20caregiver%2C%20professional%20working%20with%20a%20child)%0A%0A%0AName%20of%20school%20or%20organisation%3A%0A%0A%0AChild%E2%80%99s%20age%3A%0A%0A%0ADoes%20the%20child%20attend%20a%20primary%20school%20in%20London%3F%20If%20so%2C%20where%3F%0A%0A%0AA%20short%20overview%20of%20the%20child%20and%20the%20reason%20for%20getting%20in%20touch%3A%0A(Please%20keep%20this%20general%20and%20avoid%20including%20identifying%20or%20sensitive%20personal%20details%20at%20this%20stage)%0A%0A%0AHow%20did%20you%20hear%20about%20The%20Kids%20Network%3F%0A(e.g.%20newsletter%2C%20email%2C%20word%20of%20mouth%2C%20social%20media)%0A%0A%0AWe%20really%20value%20taking%20the%20time%20to%20understand%20each%20child%E2%80%99s%20situation%20and%20would%20welcome%20the%20opportunity%20to%20talk%20this%20through%20with%20you%2C%20answer%20any%20questions%2C%20and%20explore%20next%20steps%20together.%0A%0AI%20look%20forward%20to%20hearing%20from%20you.%0A%0AWarm%20wishes%2C%0A%5BName%5D%0A%5BRole%5D%0A%5BSchool%20%2F%20Organisation%5D%0A%5BContact%20details%5D" target="_blank"] [button text="Westminster" url="mailto:P.Nagda-Swainson@thekidsnetwork.org.uk?subject=Mentoring%20Support%20Enquiry%3A%20Westminster&body=Dear%20Priya%2C%0A%0AI%20hope%20you%E2%80%99re%20well.%20I%E2%80%99m%20getting%20in%20touch%20to%20start%20a%20conversation%20about%20mentoring%20support%20through%20The%20Kids%20Network%20and%20to%20explore%20whether%20a%20referral%20might%20be%20right.%0A%0ATo%20help%20guide%20an%20initial%20discussion%2C%20I%E2%80%99ve%20shared%20a%20few%20details%20below%3A%0A%0AWho%20is%20making%20this%20request%3F%0A(e.g.%20school%20staff%20member%2C%20caregiver%2C%20professional%20working%20with%20a%20child)%0A%0A%0AName%20of%20school%20or%20organisation%3A%0A%0A%0AChild%E2%80%99s%20age%3A%0A%0A%0ADoes%20the%20child%20attend%20a%20primary%20school%20in%20London%3F%20If%20so%2C%20where%3F%0A%0A%0AA%20short%20overview%20of%20the%20child%20and%20the%20reason%20for%20getting%20in%20touch%3A%0A(Please%20keep%20this%20general%20and%20avoid%20including%20identifying%20or%20sensitive%20personal%20details%20at%20this%20stage)%0A%0A%0AHow%20did%20you%20hear%20about%20The%20Kids%20Network%3F%0A(e.g.%20newsletter%2C%20email%2C%20word%20of%20mouth%2C%20social%20media)%0A%0A%0AWe%20really%20value%20taking%20the%20time%20to%20understand%20each%20child%E2%80%99s%20situation%20and%20would%20welcome%20the%20opportunity%20to%20talk%20this%20through%20with%20you%2C%20answer%20any%20questions%2C%20and%20explore%20next%20steps%20together.%0A%0AI%20look%20forward%20to%20hearing%20from%20you.%0A%0AWarm%20wishes%2C%0A%5BName%5D%0A%5BRole%5D%0A%5BSchool%20%2F%20Organisation%5D%0A%5BContact%20details%5D" target="_blank"]

[button text="Hammersmith and Fulham" url="mailto:P.Nagda-Swainson@thekidsnetwork.org.uk?subject=Mentoring%20Support%20Enquiry%3A%20Hammersmith%20%26%20Fulham&body=Dear%20Priya%2C%0A%0AI%20hope%20you%E2%80%99re%20well.%20I%E2%80%99m%20getting%20in%20touch%20to%20start%20a%20conversation%20about%20mentoring%20support%20through%20The%20Kids%20Network%20and%20to%20explore%20whether%20a%20referral%20might%20be%20right.%0A%0ATo%20help%20guide%20an%20initial%20discussion%2C%20I%E2%80%99ve%20shared%20a%20few%20details%20below%3A%0A%0AWho%20is%20making%20this%20request%3F%0A(e.g.%20school%20staff%20member%2C%20caregiver%2C%20professional%20working%20with%20a%20child)%0A%0A%0AName%20of%20school%20or%20organisation%3A%0A%0A%0AChild%E2%80%99s%20age%3A%0A%0A%0ADoes%20the%20child%20attend%20a%20primary%20school%20in%20London%3F%20If%20so%2C%20where%3F%0A%0A%0AA%20short%20overview%20of%20the%20child%20and%20the%20reason%20for%20getting%20in%20touch%3A%0A(Please%20keep%20this%20general%20and%20avoid%20including%20identifying%20or%20sensitive%20personal%20details%20at%20this%20stage)%0A%0A%0AHow%20did%20you%20hear%20about%20The%20Kids%20Network%3F%0A(e.g.%20newsletter%2C%20email%2C%20word%20of%20mouth%2C%20social%20media)%0A%0A%0AWe%20really%20value%20taking%20the%20time%20to%20understand%20each%20child%E2%80%99s%20situation%20and%20would%20welcome%20the%20opportunity%20to%20talk%20this%20through%20with%20you%2C%20answer%20any%20questions%2C%20and%20explore%20next%20steps%20together.%0A%0AI%20look%20forward%20to%20hearing%20from%20you.%0A%0AWarm%20wishes%2C%0A%5BName%5D%0A%5BRole%5D%0A%5BSchool%20%2F%20Organisation%5D%0A%5BContact%20details%5D" target="_blank"] [button text="Tower Hamlets" url="mailto:P.Nagda-Swainson@thekidsnetwork.org.uk?subject=Mentoring%20Support%20Enquiry%3A%20Tower%20Hamlets&body=Dear%20Priya%2C%0A%0AI%20hope%20you%E2%80%99re%20well.%20I%E2%80%99m%20getting%20in%20touch%20to%20start%20a%20conversation%20about%20mentoring%20support%20through%20The%20Kids%20Network%20and%20to%20explore%20whether%20a%20referral%20might%20be%20right.%0A%0ATo%20help%20guide%20an%20initial%20discussion%2C%20I%E2%80%99ve%20shared%20a%20few%20details%20below%3A%0A%0AWho%20is%20making%20this%20request%3F%0A(e.g.%20school%20staff%20member%2C%20caregiver%2C%20professional%20working%20with%20a%20child)%0A%0A%0AName%20of%20school%20or%20organisation%3A%0A%0A%0AChild%E2%80%99s%20age%3A%0A%0A%0ADoes%20the%20child%20attend%20a%20primary%20school%20in%20London%3F%20If%20so%2C%20where%3F%0A%0A%0AA%20short%20overview%20of%20the%20child%20and%20the%20reason%20for%20getting%20in%20touch%3A%0A(Please%20keep%20this%20general%20and%20avoid%20including%20identifying%20or%20sensitive%20personal%20details%20at%20this%20stage)%0A%0A%0AHow%20did%20you%20hear%20about%20The%20Kids%20Network%3F%0A(e.g.%20newsletter%2C%20email%2C%20word%20of%20mouth%2C%20social%20media)%0A%0A%0AWe%20really%20value%20taking%20the%20time%20to%20understand%20each%20child%E2%80%99s%20situation%20and%20would%20welcome%20the%20opportunity%20to%20talk%20this%20through%20with%20you%2C%20answer%20any%20questions%2C%20and%20explore%20next%20steps%20together.%0A%0AI%20look%20forward%20to%20hearing%20from%20you.%0A%0AWarm%20wishes%2C%0A%5BName%5D%0A%5BRole%5D%0A%5BSchool%20%2F%20Organisation%5D%0A%5BContact%20details%5D" target="_blank"]

[button text="Camden" url="mailto:P.Nagda-Swainson@thekidsnetwork.org.uk?subject=Mentoring%20Support%20Enquiry%3A%20Camden&body=Dear%20Priya%2C%0A%0AI%20hope%20you%E2%80%99re%20well.%20I%E2%80%99m%20getting%20in%20touch%20to%20start%20a%20conversation%20about%20mentoring%20support%20through%20The%20Kids%20Network%20and%20to%20explore%20whether%20a%20referral%20might%20be%20right.%0A%0ATo%20help%20guide%20an%20initial%20discussion%2C%20I%E2%80%99ve%20shared%20a%20few%20details%20below%3A%0A%0AWho%20is%20making%20this%20request%3F%0A(e.g.%20school%20staff%20member%2C%20caregiver%2C%20professional%20working%20with%20a%20child)%0A%0A%0AName%20of%20school%20or%20organisation%3A%0A%0A%0AChild%E2%80%99s%20age%3A%0A%0A%0ADoes%20the%20child%20attend%20a%20primary%20school%20in%20London%3F%20If%20so%2C%20where%3F%0A%0A%0AA%20short%20overview%20of%20the%20child%20and%20the%20reason%20for%20getting%20in%20touch%3A%0A(Please%20keep%20this%20general%20and%20avoid%20including%20identifying%20or%20sensitive%20personal%20details%20at%20this%20stage)%0A%0A%0AHow%20did%20you%20hear%20about%20The%20Kids%20Network%3F%0A(e.g.%20newsletter%2C%20email%2C%20word%20of%20mouth%2C%20social%20media)%0A%0A%0AWe%20really%20value%20taking%20the%20time%20to%20understand%20each%20child%E2%80%99s%20situation%20and%20would%20welcome%20the%20opportunity%20to%20talk%20this%20through%20with%20you%2C%20answer%20any%20questions%2C%20and%20explore%20next%20steps%20together.%0A%0AI%20look%20forward%20to%20hearing%20from%20you.%0A%0AWarm%20wishes%2C%0A%5BName%5D%0A%5BRole%5D%0A%5BSchool%20%2F%20Organisation%5D%0A%5BContact%20details%5D" target="_blank"] [button text="Islington" url="mailto:P.Nagda-Swainson@thekidsnetwork.org.uk?subject=Mentoring%20Support%20Enquiry%3A%20Islington&body=Dear%20Priya%2C%0A%0AI%20hope%20you%E2%80%99re%20well.%20I%E2%80%99m%20getting%20in%20touch%20to%20start%20a%20conversation%20about%20mentoring%20support%20through%20The%20Kids%20Network%20and%20to%20explore%20whether%20a%20referral%20might%20be%20right.%0A%0ATo%20help%20guide%20an%20initial%20discussion%2C%20I%E2%80%99ve%20shared%20a%20few%20details%20below%3A%0A%0AWho%20is%20making%20this%20request%3F%0A(e.g.%20school%20staff%20member%2C%20caregiver%2C%20professional%20working%20with%20a%20child)%0A%0A%0AName%20of%20school%20or%20organisation%3A%0A%0A%0AChild%E2%80%99s%20age%3A%0A%0A%0ADoes%20the%20child%20attend%20a%20primary%20school%20in%20London%3F%20If%20so%2C%20where%3F%0A%0A%0AA%20short%20overview%20of%20the%20child%20and%20the%20reason%20for%20getting%20in%20touch%3A%0A(Please%20keep%20this%20general%20and%20avoid%20including%20identifying%20or%20sensitive%20personal%20details%20at%20this%20stage)%0A%0A%0AHow%20did%20you%20hear%20about%20The%20Kids%20Network%3F%0A(e.g.%20newsletter%2C%20email%2C%20word%20of%20mouth%2C%20social%20media)%0A%0A%0AWe%20really%20value%20taking%20the%20time%20to%20understand%20each%20child%E2%80%99s%20situation%20and%20would%20welcome%20the%20opportunity%20to%20talk%20this%20through%20with%20you%2C%20answer%20any%20questions%2C%20and%20explore%20next%20steps%20together.%0A%0AI%20look%20forward%20to%20hearing%20from%20you.%0A%0AWarm%20wishes%2C%0A%5BName%5D%0A%5BRole%5D%0A%5BSchool%20%2F%20Organisation%5D%0A%5BContact%20details%5D" target="_blank"] [button text="Brent" url="mailto:P.Nagda-Swainson@thekidsnetwork.org.uk?subject=Mentoring%20Support%20Enquiry%3A%20Brent&body=Dear%20Priya%2C%0A%0AI%20hope%20you%E2%80%99re%20well.%20I%E2%80%99m%20getting%20in%20touch%20to%20start%20a%20conversation%20about%20mentoring%20support%20through%20The%20Kids%20Network%20and%20to%20explore%20whether%20a%20referral%20might%20be%20right.%0A%0ATo%20help%20guide%20an%20initial%20discussion%2C%20I%E2%80%99ve%20shared%20a%20few%20details%20below%3A%0A%0AWho%20is%20making%20this%20request%3F%0A(e.g.%20school%20staff%20member%2C%20caregiver%2C%20professional%20working%20with%20a%20child)%0A%0A%0AName%20of%20school%20or%20organisation%3A%0A%0A%0AChild%E2%80%99s%20age%3A%0A%0A%0ADoes%20the%20child%20attend%20a%20primary%20school%20in%20London%3F%20If%20so%2C%20where%3F%0A%0A%0AA%20short%20overview%20of%20the%20child%20and%20the%20reason%20for%20getting%20in%20touch%3A%0A(Please%20keep%20this%20general%20and%20avoid%20including%20identifying%20or%20sensitive%20personal%20details%20at%20this%20stage)%0A%0A%0AHow%20did%20you%20hear%20about%20The%20Kids%20Network%3F%0A(e.g.%20newsletter%2C%20email%2C%20word%20of%20mouth%2C%20social%20media)%0A%0A%0AWe%20really%20value%20taking%20the%20time%20to%20understand%20each%20child%E2%80%99s%20situation%20and%20would%20welcome%20the%20opportunity%20to%20talk%20this%20through%20with%20you%2C%20answer%20any%20questions%2C%20and%20explore%20next%20steps%20together.%0A%0AI%20look%20forward%20to%20hearing%20from%20you.%0A%0AWarm%20wishes%2C%0A%5BName%5D%0A%5BRole%5D%0A%5BSchool%20%2F%20Organisation%5D%0A%5BContact%20details%5D" target="_blank"] [button text="Greenwich" url="mailto:P.Nagda-Swainson@thekidsnetwork.org.uk?subject=Mentoring%20Support%20Enquiry%3A%20Greenwich&body=Dear%20Priya%2C%0A%0AI%20hope%20you%E2%80%99re%20well.%20I%E2%80%99m%20getting%20in%20touch%20to%20start%20a%20conversation%20about%20mentoring%20support%20through%20The%20Kids%20Network%20and%20to%20explore%20whether%20a%20referral%20might%20be%20right.%0A%0ATo%20help%20guide%20an%20initial%20discussion%2C%20I%E2%80%99ve%20shared%20a%20few%20details%20below%3A%0A%0AWho%20is%20making%20this%20request%3F%0A(e.g.%20school%20staff%20member%2C%20caregiver%2C%20professional%20working%20with%20a%20child)%0A%0A%0AName%20of%20school%20or%20organisation%3A%0A%0A%0AChild%E2%80%99s%20age%3A%0A%0A%0ADoes%20the%20child%20attend%20a%20primary%20school%20in%20London%3F%20If%20so%2C%20where%3F%0A%0A%0AA%20short%20overview%20of%20the%20child%20and%20the%20reason%20for%20getting%20in%20touch%3A%0A(Please%20keep%20this%20general%20and%20avoid%20including%20identifying%20or%20sensitive%20personal%20details%20at%20this%20stage)%0A%0A%0AHow%20did%20you%20hear%20about%20The%20Kids%20Network%3F%0A(e.g.%20newsletter%2C%20email%2C%20word%20of%20mouth%2C%20social%20media)%0A%0A%0AWe%20really%20value%20taking%20the%20time%20to%20understand%20each%20child%E2%80%99s%20situation%20and%20would%20welcome%20the%20opportunity%20to%20talk%20this%20through%20with%20you%2C%20answer%20any%20questions%2C%20and%20explore%20next%20steps%20together.%0A%0AI%20look%20forward%20to%20hearing%20from%20you.%0A%0AWarm%20wishes%2C%0A%5BName%5D%0A%5BRole%5D%0A%5BSchool%20%2F%20Organisation%5D%0A%5BContact%20details%5D" 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[button text="Hackney" url="mailto:P.Nagda-Swainson@thekidsnetwork.org.uk?subject=Mentoring%20Support%20Enquiry%3A%20Hackney&body=Dear%20Priya%2C%0A%0AI%20hope%20you%E2%80%99re%20well.%20I%E2%80%99m%20getting%20in%20touch%20to%20start%20a%20conversation%20about%20mentoring%20support%20through%20The%20Kids%20Network%20and%20to%20explore%20whether%20a%20referral%20might%20be%20right.%0A%0ATo%20help%20guide%20an%20initial%20discussion%2C%20I%E2%80%99ve%20shared%20a%20few%20details%20below%3A%0A%0AWho%20is%20making%20this%20request%3F%0A(e.g.%20school%20staff%20member%2C%20caregiver%2C%20professional%20working%20with%20a%20child)%0A%0A%0AName%20of%20school%20or%20organisation%3A%0A%0A%0AChild%E2%80%99s%20age%3A%0A%0A%0ADoes%20the%20child%20attend%20a%20primary%20school%20in%20London%3F%20If%20so%2C%20where%3F%0A%0A%0AA%20short%20overview%20of%20the%20child%20and%20the%20reason%20for%20getting%20in%20touch%3A%0A(Please%20keep%20this%20general%20and%20avoid%20including%20identifying%20or%20sensitive%20personal%20details%20at%20this%20stage)%0A%0A%0AHow%20did%20you%20hear%20about%20The%20Kids%20Network%3F%0A(e.g.%20newsletter%2C%20email%2C%20word%20of%20mouth%2C%20social%20media)%0A%0A%0AWe%20really%20value%20taking%20the%20time%20to%20understand%20each%20child%E2%80%99s%20situation%20and%20would%20welcome%20the%20opportunity%20to%20talk%20this%20through%20with%20you%2C%20answer%20any%20questions%2C%20and%20explore%20next%20steps%20together.%0A%0AI%20look%20forward%20to%20hearing%20from%20you.%0A%0AWarm%20wishes%2C%0A%5BName%5D%0A%5BRole%5D%0A%5BSchool%20%2F%20Organisation%5D%0A%5BContact%20details%5D" target="_blank"]

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