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

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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

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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

There’s a Genius in Every Child: Rethinking Education, Confidence & Life Skills with Aatif Hassan, Duke’s Education

What if the child who struggles in school today is actually sitting on their greatest strength?

In this powerful episode of The School Run, Jane sits down with education leader and founder of Dukes Education, Aatif, to explore what education gets right… and what it’s still missing.

From being expelled at 13 to building a global education group, this is a story of resilience, belief, and the power of the right teacher at the right time.

Together, Jane and Aatif dive into:

• ​ Why ADHD and dyslexia can be superpowers
• ​ The life-changing impact of one great teacher
• ​ What a truly great school feels like
• ​ Why confidence is the foundation of everything
• ​ The missing pieces in education:

👉 emotional literacy

👉 financial literacy

👉 digital wisdom

• ​ How the military shaped leadership, resilience and decision-making
• ​ Why failure might be the most important thing we teach children
• ​ The importance of human connection in an AI-driven world

You’ll also hear:

• ​ Why children should have a voice in shaping education
• ​ The concept of a “bounce quotient” (and why it matters more than IQ)
• ​ What Aatif would say to his younger self
• ​ And the one simple habit every child should build early: reading

​@dukes_education

Linkedin ………. dukes-education

Dukes Education is the largest premium education group in the UK and one of the fastest-growing families of schools in Europe. Dukes Education was founded by Aatif Hassan in 2015 to give young people an outstanding start in life.

The Dukes family now has 63 education brands and over 80 settings, across 11 countries, supporting more than 24,000 pupils and nearly 5,000 staff. Dukes also operates a number of leading summer short courses, university and medical school consultancies, immersive career experience providers, and one-to-one student support offerings, creating a cradle-to-career suite of services.

💬 Jane’s Reflection:

“This episode reminded me that every child has something incredible to share we just need to create the space for it to be seen.”

🎧 Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone passionate about helping young people thrive, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about what success really looks like.

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 life you really want is waiting on the other side of courage?

In this episode of The School Run with Jane – Little Voices, Big Stories, Jane is joined by leadership coach and aviation specialist Sam Sloan, Director of 123 People Development and Resilient Pilot.

Sam has spent over two decades developing people, leaders and teams: first through a successful career in retail leadership and now through coaching, leadership development and aviation training.

But beneath all of that work lies a powerful question:

How much of your potential have you actually activated?

This conversation explores confidence, curiosity, courage and the mindset shifts that help people move forward in their lives and careers.

Sam also shares the story behind her newest project Cultivating Confidence, a Bravery Boot Camp, designed to help women reconnect with dreams, ambitions and possibilities they may have put on hold.

Together, Jane and Sam discuss:

✨ What confidence really means

✨ Why curiosity is the key to great leadership

✨ The power of coaching conversations

✨ Why we aren’t taught how to ask good questions at school

✨ How Sam combined leadership development with aviation training

✨ The courage it takes to start your own business

✨ What holds people back from activating their potential

✨ The difference between mentoring and coaching

✨ Why it’s never too late to change direction

✨ How to recognise the signs of your natural strengths

Sam also reflects on the mentors and leaders who shaped her path, and the simple yet powerful mindset that drives her forward:

“What else is possible?”

This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered if they are capable of more.

Because sometimes the only thing standing between you and your next chapter is the courage to ask a better question.

⸻

About Sam Sloan

Sam Sloan is the Director of 123 People Development, specialising in leadership and coaching. She also serves as Director of Learning and Development at Resilient Pilot, supporting pilots and aviation professionals through coaching and development programmes.

Sam combines her passion for leadership, human potential and aviation to create powerful development programmes that help individuals and organisations unlock performance and confidence.

She is also co-creator of Cultivating Confidence – a Bravery Boot Camp, helping women rediscover purpose, courage and possibility.

Samantha Sloan on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-sloan-123pd

Little Voices

www.littlevoices.org.uk

Support the podcast

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