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Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ section is here to help answer the most common questions parents have about our tutoring, emotion coaching, training and consultancy services. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, please get in touch—we’re just a message away.

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General FAQs

At EHM, we pride ourselves on specialising in bespoke academic tuition, aiming to build resilience, confidence and a growth mindset in our students.

In addition to academic tuition, we also offer standalone well-being and Emotion Coaching sessions, designed to address various aspects of emotional well-being, including self-awareness, coping strategies, anxiety management, and more.

At Emotionally Healthy Minds (EHM), we provide personalised support that goes beyond traditional tutoring. We understand the strong connection between academic success and emotional well-being, and we tailor our approach to address both. Many children we assist deal with school-related anxiety, low confidence, or self-esteem issues. Our mission is to foster positive emotional health alongside academic achievements.

Yes. At Emotionally Healthy Minds (EHM), we provide personalised support that goes beyond traditional tutoring. We understand the strong connection between academic success and emotional well-being, and we tailor our approach to address both. Many children we assist deal with school-related anxiety, low confidence, or self-esteem issues. We are proud to support all pupils, whether they are in mainstream education, home-educated, or unable to attend school for various reasons.

Yes, absolutely. We always offer three paid trial sessions at the start of your time with us to ensure that you and your child feel confident that our approach and environment are a great fit. These sessions allow students to experience our support first hand before you make any commitments.

Absolutely! We encourage parents to visit us and meet our team before starting any sessions. We believe in building trust with both you and your child, ensuring you feel comfortable with our environment and approach. Simply send us an email, and we’d be happy to arrange a visit and answer any questions you may have.

Our tutoring centre is a warm, welcoming space designed to help children feel safe and supported. Located in a cosy church hall with no more than six tutors/coaches and their students at a time, it provides a calm, friendly environment. We offer various resources tailored to different learning styles, including a large games table, SEND resources like seat wedges, wobble feet for chairs, and a box of fidgets.

We also have a spacious garden used for whole sessions or brain breaks, offering movement and fresh air. Soft music plays in the main hall to create a relaxing atmosphere, and refreshments are available for you and your child upon arrival. We also provide a comfortable waiting area for parents during sessions.

Our centre is located at:
New Life Church, 40 Clements Green Lane, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5JP (click for map).

Yes, we do! We offer community tutors who can come to your home or meet you at a local café or library if that’s more convenient. Please note that travel expenses may apply depending on the tutor’s travel distance.

We also offer sessions via Zoom/Teams.

Yes, parents are welcome to sit in on sessions, especially at the beginning, to help your child feel more comfortable. As your child gains confidence, we encourage them to engage independently to build their self-esteem and autonomy. We’ll work with you to find the right balance.

Absolutely! We believe in transparent communication and provide parents with feedback on their child’s progress after every session, including academic performance, emotional well-being and areas needing additional support. We invite you to be part of our goal setting process and value your input to ensure we meet your child’s needs effectively.

Building a therapeutic relationship with children in a safe and supportive environment is our top priority. We understand that children will only open up and thrive if they trust us and feel comfortable. We use various techniques, games and activities to help anxious children feel at ease. Our tutors and coaches are trained to recognise and respond to signs of anxiety, ensuring your child feels listened to/understood, supported and valued in every session.

Yes, we support all children. In fact, 80% of our pupils at EHM are neurodiverse, so we have extensive experience of working with children with autism, ADHD, PDA, dyslexia and dyscalculia, to name a few. The only exception is in cases involving frequent violent outbursts, as we strive to maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone. We’re dedicated to working with each child, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your child’s specific needs and arrange a meeting with us.

Yes, all our tutors and staff undergo comprehensive safeguarding checks, including Enhanced DBS checks and annual safeguarding training, to ensure the safety and well-being of every child we work with. We take our responsibility seriously and adhere to strict safeguarding policies.

Yes, with your permission, our tutors can connect with your child’s teachers to improve communication and better understand how we can support your child. This collaboration is crucial for some students, as it allows us to work as a team with other educators and professionals to provide the most effective support possible.

Absolutely! We know that learning on an empty stomach is tough. We provide hot chocolate, squash, water and snacks like biscuits, raisins, ice pops and fruit. You’re also welcome to bring your own.

No. At EHM, we follow the Essex County Council Term Dates. However, we do offer additional holiday sessions and workshops, which can be booked closer to the time and are subject to availability.

Our students come to us for a variety of reasons:

  • They need a learning environment that prioritises emotional well-being and self-esteem.
  • They have neurodiverse needs (e.g., ADHD, autism, dyslexia) that require tailored support and understanding.
  • They benefit from one-on-one attention that isn’t available in a larger classroom setting.
  • They struggle with managing emotions, stress, or social situations and need guidance in emotional regulation.
  • They feel pressured by academic expectations and need strategies for managing performance anxiety.
  • They want a safe, supportive space where they can voice their challenges and set personal goals.
  • They feel overlooked in school or feel like they are slipping through the net.
  • They are struggling academically and have lost confidence in a particular subject.
  • They simply feel unheard or misunderstood.
  • They’ve missed a section of learning because of health, anxiety, school refusal or family difficulties.
  • They lack motivation and need help in finding relevance and enjoyment in learning again.

At Emotionally Healthy Minds (EHM), trust is the cornerstone of our work. Our tutors and coaches are highly qualified in their fields and deeply committed to each child’s emotional well-being. They are trained to recognise and respond to anxiety, low self-esteem and other emotional challenges, ensuring your child feels supported and valued.

Our clients have seen significant improvements in both academic performance and emotional well-being. We’re proud of the trust our clients place in us and the positive changes we’ve helped bring about in their children’s lives. We understand that trust is earned and at EHM, we’re dedicated to earning and maintaining your trust by always prioritising your child’s needs.

If you’re interested in working with Emotionally Healthy Minds (EHM), please fill out our Tutoring and Emotion Coaching Enquiry Form. Once submitted, you’ll be redirected to Sarah Petherick’s calendar to schedule a call at your convenience. This call is a great opportunity to learn how EHM can support your child and for Sarah to answer any questions you may have.

You can send us a message via our Contact page, or contact us by phone or WhatsApp on 07793 742917.

Emotion Coaching FAQs

Our coaches are professionals with backgrounds in education, counselling and/or coaching. They are trained to work with children and young people, helping them develop skills in areas such as emotional regulation, resilience and social interactions.

Coaching can be beneficial at any stage, but it’s especially effective when a child faces challenges that impact their confidence, social skills or emotional well-being. Starting coaching early helps prevent these issues from affecting other areas of their life, such as academic performance or relationships. Our coaching approach is preventative rather than reactive—we equip children with tools to handle ‘smaller’ issues before they escalate. However, it is worth noting that even if an issue seems minor, like losing a toy, it can feel overwhelming to a child. Addressing these concerns early helps them to develop skills that will be invaluable when larger challenges arise.

We offer coaching to children and young people aged 4 to 18.

Our coaching services address a wide range of issues, including anxiety, low self-esteem, social skills, stress management and developing a positive mindset. We also help students set and achieve personal goals, whether academic or related to personal development.

Coaching sessions typically last 60 minutes, allowing enough time to explore issues in depth while keeping the session engaging, creative, and focused.

A typical coaching session at EHM is interactive and student-centred. It may include discussions, activities, games and creative exercises like painting, Play-Doh, clay work, colouring or drawing. These activities enrich our conversations and help explore emotions in a comfortable setting. Our sessions aim to put children and young people at ease, allowing them to safely explore their feelings, set goals and develop strategies to overcome challenges. Our coaches create a supportive environment where young people feel listened to, heard, empowered and motivated to make positive changes.

Counselling and emotion coaching are both valuable approaches for personal development but they serve different purposes and are used in different contexts.

Please see our ‘What is the Difference Between Coaching and Counselling?’ article for more information.

Tutoring FAQs

Our tutors are experienced educators with specialised training in their subject areas and in supporting children with diverse learning needs. They are passionate about helping students succeed and adapt their teaching methods to meet the unique needs and learning styles of each child.

EHM combines academic tutoring with emotional health support. We understand that educational success and emotional well-being are interconnected, so we integrate strategies to build confidence, reduce anxiety and foster a positive growth mindset alongside traditional tutoring. We tailor our approach to each child’s unique needs and work closely with parents, teachers and mental health professionals to set goals.

The best time to start tutoring is as soon as you notice your child struggling or falling behind. Early intervention can prevent small issues from becoming bigger challenges and help your child build the skills and confidence they need to succeed. When you see that their self-confidence is negatively impacted by challenges with their learning, it’s time to start tutoring with EHM.

We work with children and young people from EYFS, primary school and secondary school, typically ages 4 to 18. Our programs are tailored to meet the developmental needs of each age group.

We offer tutoring in a wide range of subjects, including English, Maths, Science and more.

No, we don’t currently provide tutoring for GCSEs. Our tutoring focuses on EYFS and the KS1–3 curriculum and we can work with children from age 4–18 to teach this material. Many of our students come to us with significant gaps in their learning which are preventing them from meeting their expected level. Our aim is to fill these gaps to help increase their knowledge and confidence.

Tutoring sessions typically last between 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the student’s needs. We find this duration optimal for maintaining focus and achieving meaningful progress. Regular, weekly sessions support children and young people to progress steadily and continuously, helping them with the retention of new knowledge and learning.

Our tutoring sessions at EHM are designed to be both fun and effective, with the approach depending on your child’s age, personality and ability. We believe learning should be enjoyable, so we incorporate games and activities that align with each child’s interests. For younger children or those with energetic personalities, we might use hands-on activities, interactive games, or storytelling to teach concepts in a way that captures their imagination. Older students or those who prefer a quieter approach may benefit from focused discussions, problem-solving exercises or creative projects. We adapt each session to meet your child’s unique needs and interests, ensuring they are engaged and excited to learn.

Connecting with Nature FAQs

Our farm sessions are designed for children aged 5 to 13, with activities carefully adapted to suit different ages and developmental stages.

Each session is packed with hands-on learning, including animal care, woodland exploration, sustainable crafts and engaging science experiments—all designed to spark curiosity and build confidence.

Absolutely! Our sessions are fully inclusive and tailored to meet each child’s unique needs, ensuring a safe, supportive and positive experience for everyone.

We recommend comfortable outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes or boots, a water bottle and weather-appropriate items such as a raincoat, sun cream or a hat.

Yes—sessions go ahead in most weather conditions, except for deep snow. We have contingency plans in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience whatever the forecast.

Each session lasts two hours and currently runs on a fortnightly basis.

Sessions take place at a safe, family-friendly farm and woodland near South Woodham Ferrers, Essex. As this is a private residence exact location details will be shared upon booking.

Parents are welcome to stay and observe or join in, though many children enjoy the independence of attending on their own. (As this is a private residence, we ask parents to refrain from taking personal photographs in the sessions.)

At present, farm sessions are only available to students currently attending Emotion Coaching or Tutoring sessions with us.

You can book by contacting us at admin@emotionallyhealthyminds.com or via the booking form on our website. Please reach out to discuss availability and any specific needs.

Invoices are sent in advance for the upcoming block of sessions.

Parent Consultations FAQs

Our parent consultations are bespoke, one-to-one sessions designed to support you in navigating emotional, behavioural or special educational needs challenges with your child. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in reactive cycles, or unsure how to access support, we’re here to help. These sessions will help you to become co-coaches and practice some skills at home.

Any parent or carer who is feeling overwhelmed, unsure how to manage their child’s behaviour, or looking for support with emotional challenges, diagnoses, or the EHCP process. If you just need a safe space to talk and find a way forward—we’re here for you.

You can discuss anything related to your child’s emotional health, learning challenges, behaviour, strategies for home support or your EHCP journey.

You’ll be matched with the consultant best suited to your situation; either Ange (SEN & EHCP Consultant) or Sarah (Parenting Support & Emotional Wellbeing Consultant).

You don’t need to decide alone. We offer a free 20-minute enquiry call to talk through your current challenges and match you with the right support. Whether it’s emotional overwhelm or navigating SEN provision, we’ll provide you with the best consultant.

Change doesn’t happen overnight—especially when emotions run high or the systems around your child feel overwhelming. Our 4–6 week package gives us time to get to know your family, share tools and strategies at a manageable pace, and support you as you begin to make real changes.

Yes, one-off sessions are available, though many families benefit from the depth and continuity of the full 4–6 week package. During your free enquiry call, we’ll help you figure out what’s best for you.

Consultations can take place online or in person, depending on your location and preferences. We aim to be flexible and work around what suits your family best.

Consultations last 60 minutes.

Simply fill in our enquiry form on our website. You’ll then be redirected to our calendar to book your free enquiry call with us.

Absolutely. We respect your privacy and keep all discussions confidential, sharing information only with your consent.

It’s helpful to jot down any questions or observations you have about your child beforehand. Feel free to share any reports or relevant information to guide our conversation.

Schools Training FAQs

We provide tailored training focused on emotional wellbeing, anxiety and practical Emotion Coaching strategies for all staff. Sessions can be designed for teachers, support staff, leadership teams or whole-school training.
Our schools training team, led by Sarah Petherick, founder of EHM and James Hancock, Schools Team Lead, combines nearly 40 years of experience in education, school leadership, and SEND, delivering practical expertise and evidence-based approaches in every session.
We offer a comprehensive full-day training session lasting 5 hours, a half-day session, or shorter 90-minute sessions ideal for staff meetings.
Yes, we offer flexible delivery options including face-to-face, live online sessions, or a blended approach to best suit your school’s preferences and current guidelines.

Our training is grounded in the latest research on emotional wellbeing and packed with practical tools that staff can apply right away to support children’s emotional health. Reviews from those who have already taken our training speak volumes about its impact. We can also offer follow-up resources and ongoing support to ensure lasting benefits.

Absolutely. We design content to be relevant for teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs, pastoral and wellbeing staff and senior leaders.

Yes, we offer follow-up coaching, consultancy, and refresher sessions to embed the learning and address any new challenges your team faces.

Click here to submit an enquiry and arrange a free Teams call with James, our Schools Lead. He will discuss your school’s needs and answer any questions you may have.