HI I'M JODIE SMART, FOUNDER OF SUNNY KIDS SHINE®.
In 2018, I established Sunny Kids Shine® with the mission of nurturing secure, resilient, and content young individuals. With over a decade of experience in education, I've dedicated myself to supporting children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMH) as well as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in both mainstream and specialised settings.
My educational background includes a BA (Honours) in Childhood Development, certification in Mindfulness for Children, and proficiency in British Sign Language. I consistently maintain updated Enhanced DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service) and engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training. This ongoing training covers various essential areas such as safeguarding, child protection, trauma, sensory processing, SEND, and inclusion.
Drawing from my extensive experience, research, and understanding, I developed the Feelings Detective® curriculum. This innovative program integrates aspects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with the core principles of Emotional Intelligence, Social Skills, Prosocial Behaviours, Self-Love, Kindness, and more.
At Sunny Kids Shine®, we adopt a holistic approach to support children's personal, social, and emotional development. Through engaging activities, resources, and play, we create an environment where children, parents, professionals and caregivers learn and grow together.
Let's work together for a brighter future and help every child SHINE with Self awareness, Healthy habits, Independent, Nurturing, and Emotionally intelligent!
Sunny Kids Shine® stands as an award-winning, tools-based mental health and well-being service. Our programs aren't a form of therapy aimed at 'fixing' or altering you or your children; it's paramount to us that children understand there's nothing wrong with them. Feelings are universal; every emotion is valid, and navigating them can be challenging for everyone at times. This is a natural part of being human. BIG feelings become more manageable as you learn to understand them and yourselves, embracing your innate confidence, resilience, and contentment to radiate your beautiful light from within.
Our distinctive evidence-based programs focus on collective learning and growth, catering to children, families, and professionals alike. Children learn to N.A.M.E. their feelings in healthy ways—Notice, Accept, Manage, and Express. We don't believe in simply addressing immediate issues or applying temporary fixes. Instead, we adopt a holistic approach to establish a secure personal, social, and emotional foundation from within, fostering an emotionally supportive environment for everyone involved.
With our creative, colourful resources and interactive teaching style, we captivate children's attention, alleviating anxiety and ensuring sessions are both enjoyable and beneficial.
"Our feelings form a rainbow within, and feelings come and go. Everybody has them, and it’s ok to let them show. Sometimes, they need a little help, a listening ear to share. Other times they need you to say, hello, I feel you there.”
- Jodie Smart - Owner and Founder of Sunny Kids Shine
