Sarah Chen
Founder & Lead Coach
ICF ACC · MSc Child Psychology · DBS
12 years' experience in children's coaching, school counselling, and safeguarding. Passionate about helping every child find their voice.
Who We Are
A team that genuinely cares about children
Startnova was built by professionals who believe every child — regardless of background, ability, or circumstance — deserves access to expert, compassionate support.
Child-Centred
We start with the child—their voice, their pace, their goals. Every decision is made with their best interests at heart.
Safety First
Safeguarding is not an afterthought. It is built into everything we do, from how we recruit staff to how we run every session.
Evidence-Based
Our programmes draw on proven frameworks from child psychology, solution-focused coaching, and positive psychology.
Sarah Chen
Founder & Lead Coach
12+ years experience
in children's coaching
Our Story
Built by someone who knows what children really need
Startnova was founded by Sarah Chen after more than a decade working with children in schools, family support services, and private practice. She saw too many young people fall through the gaps—struggling with anxiety, low confidence, or difficult home situations, with no consistent, expert support to help them through.
Sarah built Startnova to change that. Every service is designed with one goal in mind: helping children develop the inner resources they need to navigate life with confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self—safely, and at their own pace.
Today, Startnova is a team of accredited coaches, counsellors, and safeguarding professionals, each committed to the same values: warmth, expertise, and an unwavering focus on child welfare.
- ICF Accredited Coach (ACC)
- Level 3 Award in Safeguarding Children
- KCSIE Lead Practitioner
- MSc Child & Adolescent Psychology
- DBS Enhanced Certificate
Our Team
Meet the people behind Startnova
Every member of our team is DBS checked, professionally accredited, and deeply committed to the wellbeing of every child they work with.
Daniel Morris
Senior Safeguarding Lead
Level 3 Safeguarding · KCSIE Lead · DBS
Former local authority safeguarding advisor with expertise in KCSIE compliance, risk assessment, and mandatory reporting.
Priya Patel
Family & Group Coach
PGDip Counselling · ICF ACC · DBS
Specialises in family systems coaching and group facilitation for children aged 7–16. Known for her warmth and ability to connect with young people.
Amy Rhodes
Child Counsellor
BACP Member · MA Counselling · DBS
Integrative counsellor specialising in anxiety, school refusal, and emotional dysregulation in children and adolescents.
James Walsh
Coach & SEMH Specialist
PGCE · Level 5 Coaching · DBS
Former SEMH teacher turned coach, with deep expertise in supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
Layla Thompson
Parenting & Family Coach
PGCert Family Therapy · ICF PCC · DBS
Works closely with parents and carers to build confidence and practical strategies that support their child's growth at home.
UK Safeguarding Compliant
Our Safeguarding Promise
The safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every child we work with is our highest priority. Here is exactly how we uphold that commitment.
DBS Checked Staff
Every Startnova coach and counsellor holds a current Enhanced DBS certificate. Checks are renewed regularly and records are maintained in line with safer recruitment guidance.
KCSIE Aligned
Our practice is fully aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023). All staff complete annual KCSIE training and our policies are reviewed every 12 months.
Mandatory Reporting
We have a clear and documented mandatory reporting procedure. If a child discloses information suggesting they or another child is at risk, we act immediately—following statutory guidance and notifying relevant authorities.
Data Protection
We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and comply fully with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Children's data is never sold, shared, or used for marketing.
Clear Escalation Pathway
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is always available for concerns. Parents and carers are kept informed at every stage, and all decisions are made with the child's best interests at the centre.
Safeguarding Policy
Our full Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy is available to download. We encourage all parents and carers to read it before their child begins any programme.
Want to meet the team?
Book a free introductory call and find out if Startnova is the right fit for your family.
Book a Free Call