Qualified in Child Development & Specialist in Functional Movement
A degree in Child Development, fitness qualifications, and a sporting background that goes back to my teens. Parents ask, and they should: here is everything behind the sessions.
The Vitaliftness approach is informed by experience in childcare and child development, combined with a long-standing personal background in sport and strength training.
Sessions are for children aged 4+, and individual needs can be discussed beforehand so each session can be planned appropriately.
- Over 13 years working with children
- Degree in Child Development
- Childcare qualifications and practical childcare experience
- Paediatric First Aid
- Registered with the DBS Update Service
- Training in autism awareness
- Training in dyslexia awareness
- Training relating to children's mental health
- Ongoing training in children's sport and fitness coaching
- Sport and movement experience including volleyball, handball (as a goalkeeper), climbing, cycling, running and strength training
Working with Children
A strong foundation in child development, wellbeing and safe practice.
My experience and training have given me a strong understanding of how children develop, learn and respond to different environments. I use this knowledge to create sessions that are safe, positive, age-appropriate and enjoyable, while helping children develop physically and personally.
Child Development
Bachelor's Degree in Child Development: understanding how children grow, learn and develop.
Childcare & Education
Training and experience supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing, including within educational settings.
Paediatric First Aid
Current first-aid training to support safe practice during children's physical activity sessions.
Children's Mental Health – Awareness
Training that has helped me recognise signs that a child may be struggling and understand appropriate ways to respond and signpost when needed.
Challenging Behaviour – Training
Understanding positive, calm and consistent approaches when supporting children with different behaviours and needs.
Multiple Fitness Courses
Fitness instruction, PE coaching techniques, weightlifting, kettlebells and cycling/spinning. More in the next section.
Supporting your child every step of the way.
Fitness & Coaching
Movement, fitness & physical development.
My sessions are designed around the individual child, helping them become more capable, confident and comfortable in their own body.
Rather than focusing only on performance, I work on the foundations children can carry into sport and everyday life:
Agility
Developing coordination, reaction and the ability to move effectively.
Power
Building physical strength and explosive movement in an age-appropriate way.
Mobility
Developing movement quality, flexibility and control.
Speed
Improving reactions, acceleration and coordination.
Body Control
Helping children understand and control how they move.
Confidence
Creating positive experiences where children can challenge themselves, make progress and feel proud of what they can do.
Fitness qualifications & training
Qualifications, Training & Sporting Experience
- Qualified Fitness Instructor
- PE Coaching Techniques
- Sports Psychology Training
- Weightlifting
- Kettlebell Training
- Cycling / Spinning
Practical experience
- Functional Body Movement
- Running
- Climbing
- Resistance Bands
- Plyometrics
Supporting Every Child
Creating inclusive, positive and accessible experiences where every child can participate, develop and feel confident.
Inclusive, Child-Centred Practice
Vitaliftness is designed around the idea that children do not all move, learn or participate in exactly the same way. Activities can be adjusted in pace, complexity, space, repetition and challenge so children can take part without being unnecessarily singled out.
This is particularly important in group settings, where children may arrive with different confidence levels, movement experience, attention needs or learning profiles.
Autism Awareness
Understanding sensory needs and adapting instructions, activities and session structure to support participation.
Dyslexia Awareness
Adapting communication and instructions to help children understand, engage and learn in ways that work for them.
Sports Psychology Awareness
Understanding motivation, confidence, focus and the barriers that can sometimes prevent children from participating.
Continuing Professional Development
Regularly developing my knowledge and practice to keep improving the experience I provide for children.
Nutrition & Plant-Based Nutrition
Knowledge that supports the general nutrition guidance and healthy lifestyle information I share.
Ways activities can be adapted
- Reduce or increase distance, speed or complexity
- Demonstrate visually before asking children to perform
- Break instructions into smaller steps
- Use predictable routines and clear transitions
- Give children time to practice before increasing the challenge
- Use partner or team formats where appropriate
- Offer alternative movement options when an activity is not suitable
- Focus on participation, progress and enjoyment rather than comparison
A practical approach to confidence
A child does not have to be the fastest, strongest or most coordinated to succeed.
Success can mean trying a new movement, completing a sequence, improving control, joining a team activity or simply staying engaged for longer. The goal is a setting where movement feels like something they can learn, practice and enjoy.
Still learning, so the sessions keep getting better
I am currently completing further courses in children’s sport and fitness training. Everything I learn goes straight back into the sessions your child takes part in.
Every child is unique, with their own individual abilities and strengths. That is why my training continues to develop. I believe good coaching means continuing to learn, adapt and create an environment where every child has the opportunity to take part and progress.
Qualified to support. Experienced with children. Always learning.
Every child is welcome here, whatever their health
Tell me what I need to know before the first session and I will plan around it. Quietly, and without making a thing of it in front of the group. A session can be adapted far more than most parents expect, and no child is ever sat out or singled out.
If you are unsure whether this would suit your child, ask me first. I would much rather have that conversation than have you wondering from the sidelines.
Safety comes before everything
Designed with children in mind.
Sessions are age-appropriate, with no heavy lifting or performance pressure. Each session follows a clear, predictable structure, helping children feel comfortable, confident and ready to participate.
I hold a current Paediatric First Aid certificate, and I maintain an active DBS status through the DBS Update Service.
Let's talk before you book.
Every child is different. Get in touch to discuss your child's needs, abilities and any concerns you may have. I'll help you understand whether Vitaliftness sessions are a suitable fit for your child.