“I have learnt SO MUCH from this brilliant training. Several things have clicked and will be helpful in me and my son’s relationship for a very long time which is precious, I never thought I’d find a way forward! I have learnt so many amazing, yet simple effective strategies.

You have a wonderful teaching style: engaging, supportive, paced well (space to talk and express, but also a great momentum with no boredom which I suffer from greatly in training usually!!), realistic, non-judgemental (we all seemed to be able to talk so freely) and so positive, encouraging and passionate about parenting skills too.

Thank you for helping mine and son’s lives be a whole lot better .”?

Jo – Bristol parent

“Jonothan tutored my son Alex in both flute and maths through year 6, including during lockdown over zoom. The biggest thing Jonothan has given Alex  is the understanding that it’s okay to make mistakes – that in fact, this is part of learning. Plenty of teachers teach this, but Jonothan somehow embodies it – and that’s the difference. Alex has gone from being a kid who wouldn’t even try in case he screwed up, to someone who will have a go, evaluate how he’s done, and then try again, and again. It’s a life lesson that goes well beyond maths and flute, and I’m in no doubt that this has been entirely down to his sessions with Jonothan.”

Parent of Yr7 pupil, Bath 2020

“I’d just like to express my wholehearted thanks for this week. The children were, and still are, enjoying it to the max – they’ve all gone home this weekend full of inspiration and enthusiasm. I myself thought yesterday was beyond excellent and that is entirely down to Jonothan. I thought Jonothan was just amazing in his presence and presentation alike, I have already picked up loads of language and teaching skills from him and I’ve been reinvigorated with inspiration anew.”

Yr 4 Teacher, Charfield Primary School, South Gloucestershire

“I feel I learnt a great deal about how to deal with conflict and problem-solving. I’ve learnt how to be more intelligent when coping with my daughter’s emotional needs. I will be able to apply all my learning to my professional life also. Jonothan is a brilliant teacher and I have enjoyed this course greatly.”

Parent, February 2020

“I really liked Jonothan’s way of teaching. Lovely, kind, personal. I enjoyed getting together and working as a group, knowing how to understand my feelings and dealing with them. The activities for the children were child-centred.”

Parent, February 2020

“I really enjoyed learning skills with my child. It was great to be able to discuss and extend the learning at home. Jonothan, the tutor was really helpful and made the sessions fun – thank you!”

Parent, February 2020

“Thank you for delivering a fun and engaging session for our staff team. It was a really good way of people getting to know each other in a relaxed environment. The activities allowed for some fun competition as well as team building. You listened to our requirements and were able to adapt to the environment and timings we had available. As we’ve come to expect from you, a great session well delivered!”

Youth Adventure Trust, April 2019

“I really liked the way the course helped me to improve my daughter’s homework.

I learned a lot about grammar that I never noticed. I am really happy with this course.”

Parent, Begbrook Primary School, May 2018

“Excellent – I wasn’t sure what to expect but the content of the course was spot on

and made me consider things that I wouldn’t have otherwise, and that will be really helpful in this role.

I felt the training Jonathan gave was very well delivered.

He kept it light, and at no point did it ever feel pressured or like hard work.”

Youth Adventure Trust – Volunteer Mentoring Scheme, Sept 2018

I just wanted to say a very big thank you for all you have done for our learners this term. Looking at the feedback, the learners have been really enthusiastic about what they have done and all wish to continue their learning. This is all due to your great teaching. We hope to have you back to Begbrook soon!!

“Thank you so much fo all your amazing energy, inspiration, passion and care. We are so grateful for all that you have done. You’ve played a big role in this project and your energy has created an amazing vibe.”

Parents – Lumiar Education Pilot Project.

Wiltshire, April 2018.

“Jonothan has been tutoring our son for the last 6 months and over this period we have noticed a real improvement and confidence in his learning. This improvement has also been recognised by his school teachers.  He enjoys and looks forward to the 1-2-1 sessions.  Would highly recommend.”

KS2 Maths and English Tutoring, February 2018

Parent of Yr6 Pupil

“It was a really positive and informative course, which has set myself up with plenty of styles, tips and processes that not only help me with my son’s development and our bond early on, but throughout his continued growth. Also allowing me to know I have the ability to offer the support that he needs throughout his life.”

Intensive parenting programme – Triple P, January 2018

Parent of 2yr old

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for our daughter. She’s loved her year with you! You personally have increased her confidence and opened up more of her musical and singing interest.”

Year 1 Teaching, Neston Primary School, July 2017

Parent of Yr1 Pupil

“Thank you for inspiring our children to sing (lots) and making their Fridays fun.

They’ve loved having you as their teacher!”

Year 1 Teaching, Neston Primary School, July 2017

Parents of Yr1 Pupils

“Mum’s originally from Pakistan. She’s been coming to keep up with me in English and Maths so she can help me with my homework. Since the course, every day from 6-7 we do maths. She starts off easy and makes it harder. She’s improved. She didn’t know what 8 squared was but she went to maths class and now she does.”

Maths – Keeping Up With The Children (KUWTC), April 2017

Pupil attending Begbrook Primary School, Bristol

“This course was absolutely fantastic. So much useful information included in the course. It was so enjoyable and so much fun whilst learning. It was fun as well as educational. Jonothan was friendly and a brilliant teacher who was very helpful. I had lots of fun on this course to help my child with how to learn phonics in a fun way, so she gets the most out of learning. I loved the story-telling session and all the games we played. It was very fascinating, interesting and helpful. He made the course fun and enjoyable and felt that I learnt lots to assist my child’s learning.”

English – Keeping Up With The Children (KUWTC), March 2017

Parents from Abottswood Primary School, South Glos.

“Thanks again for a great day in Clanger Wood on Sunday.  Everybody really enjoyed it, including the volunteers.  They all agreed it’s now their favourite activity!”

Youth Adventure Trust, Wiltshire, April 2017

Jon Rich, Volunteer Manager, Youth Adventure Trust

“Training on a Saturday morning “ I said! “ Groan” was the reply. We all turned up thinking we would rather be somewhere else but WOW were we all pleasantly surprised!! An excellent days behaviour training took place, everyone was focused and really took on board all the ideas, staff came away buzzing and are starting to implement the strategies within the nursery and even at home!! Thank you Jonothan for a great day!

The Avenue Day Nursery, Andover, November 2016

Suzie Richardson, Nursery Manager, The Avenue Day Nursery

Jonothan has delivered a range of activity days and workshops for R2K as well as our team away day. He is well organised, thorough and professional in the planning of activities and always tailors them to the individual needs of the group. No two days with him are the same and he works hard to keep activities fresh for returning participants. His presentation and delivery is excellent and he responds well to the needs of individuals alongside the whole group. His enthusiasm and energy is infectious; engaging children and young people for whole days with novel and exciting challenges and activities. Working with Jonothan is a pleasure and I can’t recommend him highly enough.

R2K B&NES Council, November 2016

Becky Brown – R2K Co-ordinator, Family Placement Team

Jonothan ran 2 very successful GPS Team Challenge workshops on behalf of the Youth Adventure Trust. The young people and adults really enjoyed both days and benefited form the team work challenges on offer. Jonothan was extremely professional and detailed in the planning, preparation and delivery of the days and his rapport with the young people was excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate to employ Jonothan again and his flexible approach means he could run almost anything tailored to the needs of the client. A very happy customer!

Youth Action Trust, October 2016

Rob Warren – Youth Adventure Trust

“This was my first experience of using PlayUp [Skillset Learning] and have experienced nothing other than a very professional service coupled with staff that are very knowledge and friendly and met the specific training requirements I had. No issues was too big for the team to sort out and provide excellent response times to any changes/amendments in the training requirements.”

Amesbury and Corsham Leisure Centres, Wiltshire Council, July 2016

Craig Angel – Leisure Operations Health & Wellbeing Manager

Jonothan provided lots of great ideas to help entertain and challenge our boisterous boys when weather and space restricted our resources. Brilliant hands on training which makes it easier to remember and share the ideas in each of our own settings.

Devizes Childminders Sept 2016

Jennie Holloway – Childminder

“I have learnt how to make learning fun at home with straws, 3D shapes, dice, number cards and more. I have also learnt how to introduce number-lines to my son.

It was very, very useful to learn the terminology, which makes helping with homework so much easier.”

Hannah More Primary School, Bristol Learning Communities, July 2016

Parents of Yr1 children

“Thank you so much for the work you have undertaken for us over the last 2 months.

I have been so impressed with your professionalism, organisation, flexibility and first class engagement with both the young people we work with and our partner organisations. It is clear from the feedback that our schools and military partners has been very happy with every session you have facilitated and lead.

I have been so relaxed to know that every Blue Skies session you were leading would be excellently communicated, prepared, delivered, evaluated and reported back to me. Thank you so much.”

Blue Skies Programme – Jon Egging Trust – Bournemouth 2015

Dr. Emma Egging, Jon Egging Trust

“Thank you for the training, it really has been inspirational and I can’t wait to try out all the new activities with the children!”

Over 5s Play Training, Salisbury, Wiltshire Council, April 2015

Wiltshire Childminder

“Can I just say what a brilliant course the play for over 5’s was! I have been a childminder for nearly 20 years now and that was the most productive and fun course I have ever been on!

You reminded me of games I used to play with my sister and introduced me to many many new ideas.
Your teaching style is brilliant and I wish you had taught my three children.
Thanks again!”

Play Training, Salisbury, Wiltshire Council, April 2015

Wiltshire Childminder

“Thank you for the fantastic training it was so nice to do training I will remember and enjoyed doing, I cant wait to try out the marble run activity with my after school children. Thanks again!”

Salisbury Play Training, Wiltshire Council, April 2015

Salisbury Childminder

“I really enjoyed training with you, it was fun and informative.”

Childminder Play Training – Salisbury April 2015

Salisbury Childminder

“Today we experienced exciting lessons which brought alive the historical characters we have been learning about! The pupils were able to question them and listen to their stories in the flesh. The learning was implicit in the fun activities that they completed alongside Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Francis Drake. The actors were brilliant at remaining in character throughout, and maintaining the magic for the children. They taught, organised and encouraged the children to experience and better understand life in Tudor times. The children loved it!”

History Live! Elizabethans

Stanbridge Primary School, South Glos.

We received some really positive comments from families in relation to the urban games numeracy treasure hunt Jonothan designed for us. Families said they learnt about lots of interesting things around their town and to be more observant. They noticed more about their town’s heritage and they enjoyed spending time as a family.

“It was fabulous, really enjoyed it and was just the right length for a seven year old. It was great fun!”

Wiltshire Family Treasure Hunt – Numeracy Urban Game

Community Learning Team,Wiltshire Council,  2015

We now have an abundance of fresh ideas to keep our children occupied, learning and having fun in our out of school setting. We have learned as a team, so can support each other and really bring to shape what we can offer and build a superb experience for our children. We have gained in confidence and feel we have the tools to succeed. Fabulous!

Playwork into Practice: March 2012

Stanton St Quintin After School Club

“Jonothan created a brilliant murder mystery activity for a group of teenagers attending a summer school at The University of Reading. It really engaged the young people and helped bring them together as a group. Jonothan’s murder mystery activity was mentioned as one of the best things on the summer school on 80% of the students’ feedback forms. Jonothan was great to work with; organised and resourceful, I couldn’t recommend him more.”

Penny Fletcher, Aiming High Co-ordinator, Reading University

“The workshops were a fun way to get groups of people trying out different skills and succeeding at it. The plate spinning was a particular favourite with my group which gave them a great sense of achievement. It was great fun for the young and the (slightly) older.”

Family Learning Event, Wiltshire, Sept 2014

Family Learning Tutor

“The trainer was extremely helpful and I feel if I had any questions or queries in the future he is someone I could contact for advice. The games he demonstrated were very good for helping us entertain the children in our setting and help their development at the same time. Thankyou very much it was a great course and really helped me.”

Playwork into Practice Day Course

Childminder

“Sound knowledge of subject material delivered in a ‘user friendly’ way . Each manoeuvre that Jonothan makes, helps with your understanding. Jonothan’s strengths when it comes to training sessions are his ability to link all elements cohesively, excellent communication and his comprehensive delivery style.”

Stenehenge School, Amesbury, July 2014

Phil Monk, Senior Teacher

“A refreshing approach to training – inclusive, personable, effective, with a “feet on the ground” delivery style.”

Phil Monk, Senior Teacher, Stonehenge School, Amesbury

“Jonothan made something that was incredibly complex, focussed and workable. He identified what was important and then focused it into a delivery model.”

Jayne Bullock, Extended Services Coordinator, Trowbridge

“Jonothan is an excellent project manager combining a meticulous eye for detail with a creative flair. He is very good to work with; he’s conscientious, creative and delivers excellent outcomes.”

Mary O’Malley, Lead Commissioner, Wiltshire Council

“Jonothan is an incredibly hard-working and self-motivated co-ordinator. He is personable and easy to get along with, essential when working closely with someone on any project. Many positive changes have come about as a direct result of the hard work, drive and commitment of Jonothan. He has encouraged staff from different settings to collaborate effectively in order to draw on expertise and therefore provide the best for the children in the town in which we work.”

Anna Wilcox, Headteacher, Forest & Sandridge Primary School, Wiltshire

“Since Jonothan’s arrival to the cub group the children are excited as soon as they arrive and can’t wait to get started with the games. The night’s events are structured, organised and a great deal of fun is had by all, myself included!”

Mum and helper 66th Weston cubs, Bath

“The trainer was very enthusiastic and helpful. A well organised course.”

Tiddlywinks Nursery, Trowbridge

“Very rewarding! My staff have come away very enthusiastic.”

Mighty Oaks Afterschool Club, Devizes

“Jonothan’s enthusiasm was infectious and made the course very enjoyable.”

Gill’s Childcare Services, Childminder, Trowbridge

“From 2008 to 2010 I worked as a senior consultant within a team in the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) to support the rollout of the Extended Schools Disadvantage Subsidy across all schools in England. Jonothan led the Trowbridge subsidy pathfinder in Wiltshire, and in my view demonstrated exceptionally strong leadership, collaboration and analytical capabilities in the role. He took over at a difficult point in the project, where different parties had very different understandings of the subsidy’s objectives and how much time and effort the project justified.”

Ian Hadden, Organisation Consultant, Rootsix.com

“The training was a good mix of theory and practical ideas for us to take away and use in our setting.”

Afterschool Playworker, Wiltshire

“Ofsted loved the fact that I could pull off information and statistics so easily and it was all up-to-date. The systems have been comprehensive to use and maintain. They liked how I could show them which students were participating, which groups had spent their money on which activities, participation rates etc.”

Emma Proctor, Extended Services Coordinator, Wiltshire

“Jonothan was brilliant. His enthusiasm was infectious and gave me the confidence to try the various games at home. The book is easy to use,in that you can just look up games that involve balls etc. I am looking forward to TD days instead of stressing about them.”

Wiltshire Childminder

“Jonothan provided clear, step by step planning and guidance through each phase of the Free Time process. He was on hand for the installation and delivery of the scheme into the networks.”

Sarah Hopkins, Extended Services Co-ordinator, Westbury & Warminster

“The course was fab, interactive and informative. Jonothan was very enthusiastic and that encouraged all of us to be (even me and generally I am quite reserved at training!”

Playwork into Practice Training Day

Childminder

“The venue was brilliant, trainer was enthusiastic and helpful. The course was a brilliant refresher and for new ideas.”

Playwork into Practice, March 2012

Box Kids Afterschool Club

“I thought the course was great, the best one of that nature I have been on!! I found everything very beneficial and thought that Jonothan explained everything in a way that I can take and use myself!! All in all excellent course, venue ok and trainer very good also! The book is fantastic but playing very simple games with little or no materials needed and seeing how well they work is great!! Also feel more confident explaining games by keeping it simple and straight to the point. It is also really helpful to have the nuts and bolts so hopefully we can carry on creating lots more great games.”

Playwork into Practice, Devizes

Mighty Oaks After School Club

“The quality of the material which Jonothan produced was of a very high standard, and formed an important part of the Disadvantage Subsidy toolkit which received a very wide audience as part of the national rollout to 23,000 schools. The most outstanding element was the ‘how-to’ pack which Jonothan prepared. This was a comprehensive set of over fifty high-quality documents which could be tailored and re-used by other clusters across the country to support their own subsidy rollout. Jonothan immediately set about bringing the key people together and getting consensus, commitment and enthusiasm to a clear set of objectives for the subsidy. Jonothan’s quiet charisma, strong analytical capabilities and sheer hard work were I believe crucial to this success.”

Ian Hadden, Organisation Consultant, Rootsix.com

“Massive thank you to Jonothan at PlayUp Bath after an amazing and fun packed 7th birthday party for my daughter. The children  all really enjoyed learning the circus skills and loved the games – especially water balloon toss and the parachute!!  My daughter and her friends are still raving about her party a month later! I would highly recommend Jonothan’s parties – it made the day go really smoothly and kept the children highly entertained throughout!”

Bath Parent

“The course was great. It certainly gave me lots of ideas and strategies for trying to manage the behaviour of a whole spectrum of ages, from tantrum-y two year olds to wayward 18 year olds.”

5hr Behaviour Management Course, Devizes

Wiltshire Childminder

“The course was fantastic and the trainer was brilliant. It was great fun. I learnt lots.”

Playwork into Practice, Wilton, Wiltshire

Wiltshire Childminder

“Jonothan was clear and understanding throughout the course and if you were unsure, he was happy to explain in a different way. He asked what we wanted to come back with from the course on the first session and reviewed it at the end of the second sessions.”

Playwork into Practice: Devizes, 2012

Mighty Oaks After School Club

“The course leader was fantastic, very helpful and delivered the course in a fun interesting way to keep us all involved.”

Playwork into Practice, Devizes

Brokerswood Holiday Club