Helping make BIG feelings child-size
We help children N.A.M.E. their emotions in healthy, constructive ways, which stands for Notice, Accept, Manage, and Express. Through this framework, children become “Feelings Detectives®,” while adults step into their roles as “Emotional Champions.” It’s more than a method; it’s a way for families and professionals to learn and grow together toward a brighter future.
Building Confidence, One Smile at a Time
Sunny Kids Shine® was founded in 2018 by Jodie Smart with a clear mission: to help children become emotionally secure, resilient, and content young people. Drawing on more than 10 years of educational expertise, we provide dedicated support to families and professionals, with a specialised focus on Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) in keeping with the 2025 Government report and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) needs in alignment with the SEND Code of Practice.
The SHINE in Sunny Kids Shine stands for Self-Awareness, Healthy Habits, Independence, Nurturing Qualities, and Emotional Intelligence. We believe that, “Whilst we cannot predict the future for your children, we can equip them with the tools they need to SHINE through any storms they may face – as confident, secure, resilient and content young people.”
At the core of our work is the award-winning Feelings Detective® curriculum. Through this, we thoughtfully blend compassion and creativity with practices like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and emotional intelligence (EI). Above all, our Evidence-Based Approach is driven by the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard and supported with care and kindness, a principle that sits at the very heart of everything we do.
We operate at all levels, from delivering hands-on support to children and families, equipping professionals with essential skills, and partnering with the County Councils and other organisations, to drive systemic change.
About Sunny Kids Shine
Jodie Smart is the founder of Sunny Kids Shine®. She established the organisation to champion emotional wellbeing in children especially those facing SEMH and SEND challenges and to provide support with sensitivity, creativity, and care.
Background & Qualifications
Guiding Principles & Expertise
Philosophy
Jodie believes every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and confident not simply “fixed.” Emotions are natural, and sometimes BIG. Her mission is to help children understand their feelings, manage them with kindness, and express them in healthy, authentic ways.
What She Brings to Sunny Kids Shine
With over a decade of hands-on experience in diverse educational settings, Jodie combines expertise with compassion. She is committed to inclusive practice and believes that when children and the people around them are emotionally nourished, they can truly shine from the inside out.
Her credentials include being one of Netmums’ trusted wellbeing experts.
Below are some of her featured articles:
Why kids can seem emotionally overwhelmed after school, and how to help them cope
How this mum used a rubber glove to teach her daughter patience
How to talk to your child about diversity and why it matters
I was trying to be the perfect Mum, raising the perfect child…
St Albans entrepreneur on the importance of prevention for children’s mental health
What Makes Sunny Kids Shine® Different
Big feelings can be overwhelming, but we help children of all ages Notice, Accept, Manage, and Express their emotions, turning challenges into growth and helping them SHINE from the inside out.
