I’m Jade Senior-White, I’m a Learning Mentor based at a primary school in Wakefield. I have spent 4 years in my current role, working with a range of children from all year groups and paths of life. I began working in schools at the age of 17, when I became an apprentice teaching assistant in a specialist provision. This is definitely where my enthusiasm for working with children sparked. It’s also where I met Sandra and I realised how important and beneficial play therapy really is.

For 5 years, I was based in a Nurture Room, creating a safe and welcoming base to help children with social and emotional challenges. Play therapy was a major part of our Nurture practice – being able to express their emotions and experiences through play was key to our children’s growth and understanding. Since then, I have often supported Sandra in her Filial work, alongside my current job role. I use those all-important, therapeutic reflections throughout the children’s time with me, whilst Filial training commences. I am always so eager to learn, and feel privileged to be a part of those very special journeys.