AJ And Friends

11/10/2025

🎃✨ Sensory Saturday is on at AJ & Friends! ✨🎃

Join us today for a fun, calming and creative morning designed for our incredible children and young people 🌈

🧡 Activities include:
🪂 Rebound Therapy – build strength, balance and confidence while having loads of fun on the trampoline!
🎨 Pumpkin Tea-Light Holders – get hands-on with our sensory clay to create your own Halloween pumpkin glow light to take home!

Our sessions are all about connection, expression and joy – a safe, inclusive space where everyone can join in at their own pace 💫

🕙 When: Today (Saturday!)
📍 Where: AJ & Friends, Hoylake site
👩‍👩‍👦 Families, siblings and carers all welcome

Book our next session - come along, have fun, and make some glowing memories 🧡

08/10/2025

Would this help?
Out-of-school learning & therapy afternoons 🌟
We know there are children right now who aren’t in school — not by choice, but because their needs, medical care or anxiety make it too hard to attend.
For families like ours, that gap in the week can feel endless.

At AJ & Friends, we’re exploring something new:
💬 small, safe, sensory-rich afternoon sessions for children who currently have no school place or are waiting for one.
A space to play, learn, rebuild confidence and connect — supported by our care & therapy team in a calm environment.

Before we move forward, we’d love to hear from you:
👉 Would this kind of session help your child or someone you know?
👉 What days/times would suit your family best?

Drop us a comment, message, or emoji below 💙
Let’s see what our community needs most — together we can shape it.

30/09/2025

We’re Hiring: Complex Care Children’s Support Worker 🌟

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young adults with complex needs?
We’re looking for a part-time (20 hours/week) Support Worker to join our friendly and dedicated team.

💙 About Us
We specialise in holistic care for children and young adults living with multiple disabilities, learning delays, rare conditions, and complex medical needs. Our wraparound support combines health, education, and social care to help each person thrive.

📍 Areas we cover:
• Wirral
• Cheshire West & Northwich
• Chester & surrounding areas
• Liverpool

👩‍⚕️ Requirements:
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a similar role (references required)
• Level 2/3 qualification in Health, Education or Childcare
• Relevant training in complex care
• A caring, patient, and proactive approach

✨ Desirable:
• DBS on the Update Service
• Full UK driving licence (experience with wheelchair accessible vehicles is a bonus)

⏰ Hours: Part-time, 20 hours per week
📌 Base: Hoylake, Wirral

👉 If you’d like to be part of a team that makes a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!

📩 Message us here on Facebook or email hello@ajandfriends.co.uk to apply or find out more.

30/09/2025

27/09/2025

Exciting News from AJ and Friends! 🌟

Our amazing team have now completed Rebound Therapy training ✅ – adding another powerful tool to support children and young people with rare and complex needs. We couldn’t be more delighted 🤩

This isn’t just a new activity; it’s part of our Department for Education application to open an independent, fully regulated therapeutic school for up to 10 students.

What makes our model unique?
💙 Education that travels with the child – whether at AJ and Friends, in hospital, or at home, learning continues.
💙 39 weeks of high-quality, personalised education plus all-year-round wraparound respite and therapy – with the same trusted team providing both care and teaching.
💙 Integrated health, social care and education under one roof – a first of its kind.

Our trampoline is ready, our staff are trained, and our hearts are full.
This is education without walls, designed so every rare and wonderful child can thrive.

📸 Watch out for pictures of our new rebound therapy space and the team in action – bookings will be open soon! To secure your place email:hello@ajandfriends.co.uk

18/09/2025

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)

Organisation: AJ and Friends C.I.C. – preparing for DfE independent special school registration
Location: Hoylake, Wirral (with outreach across Wirral, Cheshire, Liverpool & the North West)
Contract: Flexible – part-time or full-time - to be agreed
Salary: Competitive and aligned with experience & qualifications
Start Date: ASAP or by agreement

About Us

AJ and Friends is an award-winning, CQC-registered health–social-care–education service now building a unique independent special school for around 10 pupils aged 8–18.
Our work is guided by PEACE values – Purpose, Empathy, Accountability, Community and Excellence.

We deliver education and wrap-around care through an innovative hub-and-spoke model:
• The Hub – Hoylake base
• A cottage dedicated to life-enrichment and independent-living skills
• The Centenary Building on the same gated site with classrooms, a sensory room, a physiotherapy and sensory-processing room, (including rebound therapy) & so much more!
• The Spokes
• Learning and therapy in homes, hospitals, and community settings, so that children with highly complex needs can learn and thrive wherever it suits them best.

Our multi-disciplinary team already includes a Speech & Language Therapist, Registered Nurse, Educational Lead, and a Board of Governors—all committed to creating the first school of its kind blending health, social care, and education.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) to help design, lead and quality-assure SEND provision across all our settings.

Key responsibilities:
• Oversee and quality-assure SEND provision across hub and spokes
• Lead on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and statutory compliance
• Support curriculum design and bespoke timetables
• Mentor and train staff through our Bronze → Platinum career pathway
• Work closely with parents, carers, local authorities and multi-agency teams
• Contribute to our DfE independent school registration and inspections

Essential
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• National Award for SEN Coordination (or willingness to gain within 3 years)
• Up-to-date knowledge of SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation
• Strong safeguarding expertise and ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams

Desirable
• Experience with complex medical needs, EOTAS or alternative provision
• Leadership/management experience in specialist or inclusive settings
• Familiarity with CQC frameworks and integrated health–education services

What We Offer
• A family-led, innovative environment with a genuine chance to shape a new school
• A hub-and-spoke model that allows flexible, personalised education
• Ongoing professional development through our Bronze–Platinum training pathway
• Supportive, flexible working patterns to fit your lifestyle

📨 How to Apply
Please send your CV and a brief cover email to hello@ajandfriends.co.uk with the subject line SENCo Application.
Informal visits, chats, or Teams calls are warmly encouraged.

AJ and Friends is an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding children and young people. An enhanced DBS check and robust references will be required.

13/09/2025

Help Keep Carlton Lane Safe & Smooth 🚧

After the recent rain some of the potholes on Carlton Lane have opened up again and can be tricky—especially for wheelchair users, buggies and anyone walking.

We’d love to help the neighbours who already care so well for the lane.
If anyone has a few spare bags of clean (washed) driveway gravel or MOT Type 1 sub-base to donate and can drop them off to us, we’d be so grateful.
(We’re unable to collect at the moment.)

Every bag will help keep the lane safe and accessible for everyone.
Thank you so much for any support!

13/09/2025

We have our sensory Saturdays in full swing!
If you’re looking for respite care on a Saturday please do get in touch.

Sensory Seekers Saturdays – Hoylake 🌟
For children & young people with SEN and complex needs

Does your child love to move, bounce, and explore their senses? 🌈

At AJ and Friends CIC, we offer Sensory Seekers Saturdays—a safe drop-off service giving children the chance to enjoy:

💫 Sensory Joy – fun, engaging sensory activities
🧘 Physio & Movement Support – gentle exercises to build strength and confidence
🤸 NEW from October: Rebound Therapy! – trampoline-based movement sessions designed for children with additional needs
💙 Respite for Parents – trained, caring staff so you can take a well-deserved break

Why families choose us:
✅ Complex care trained staff
✅ Safe, inclusive, nurturing environment
✅ Simple drop-off & pick-up
✅ Run by people who truly understand SEN parenting

📍 Hoylake
🕒 Saturdays – limited spaces available
💌 Message AJ And Friends to book your child’s place

Because every child deserves joyful movement—and every parent deserves peace of mind.

06/09/2025

Sensory Seekers Saturdays – Hoylake 🌟
For children & young people with SEN and complex needs

Does your child love to move, bounce, and explore their senses? 🌈

At AJ and Friends CIC, we offer Sensory Seekers Saturdays—a safe drop-off service giving children the chance to enjoy:

💫 Sensory Joy – fun, engaging sensory activities
🧘 Physio & Movement Support – gentle exercises to build strength and confidence
🤸 NEW from October: Rebound Therapy! – trampoline-based movement sessions designed for children with additional needs
💙 Respite for Parents – trained, caring staff so you can take a well-deserved break

Why families choose us:
✅ Complex care trained staff
✅ Safe, inclusive, nurturing environment
✅ Simple drop-off & pick-up
✅ Run by people who truly understand SEN parenting

📍 Hoylake
🕒 Saturdays – limited spaces available
💌 Message AJ And Friends to book your child’s place

Because every child deserves joyful movement—and every parent deserves peace of mind.

14/08/2025

Feeling stuck? 📱💭

You’re not alone — 1 in 4 adults struggle with their mental health, yet over half say they find it hard to get help. Why?
⏱ Waiting lists are too long.
💷 Costs can be too high.
📍 Services aren’t always nearby.

At AJ & Friends, we’re here to bridge that gap.
💬 On-site & remote talking therapies — every Friday.
🎯 Especially for caregivers of young people (in any form).
💰 Donation of £18/hour — so help is accessible.
📧 Book by email: hello@ajandfriends.co.uk

Because no one should have to face it all alone.

Pop into our Friendship Fridays @ AJ And Friends 1-3 for further information ℹ️

26/07/2024

Success is Not Measured by What You Have, But by Who You Share It With 🙏🏻🤌🏻

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material success. We often measure our achievements by the possessions we accumulate and the milestones we reach. However, true success is not about what you have, but about the people you share it with.

Believe it or not my goal is to age with as little “owned” assets as possible!

👫 The True Measure of true Success:
- Meaningful Relationships: Success is found in the bonds we build with family, friends, and colleagues. These relationships bring joy, support, and a sense of belonging. Who’s around your table?
- Shared Moments: The moments we cherish are those spent with loved ones. Whether celebrating a victory or overcoming a challenge, having someone to share these experiences with makes them truly special. When you win or loose who’s that person you call? Chances are if it’s the same person it’s “your person” 🫶🏻
- Community and Connection: Being part of a supportive community enriches our lives. It's the collective growth, shared goals, and mutual support that make our journey worthwhile.

🫶🏻 Why It Matters:
- Emotional Well-being: Strong relationships contribute to our overall happiness and mental health. They provide comfort, encouragement, and a sense of purpose which gives you authenticity (purpose & authenticity is a super power) 🙏🏻
- Legacy: The impact we have on others and the memories we create together form a lasting legacy. This is what people remember long after material possessions fade away. Ever hear the phrase “it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it?” That type of vibe - people often recall how YOU had an impact upon how they felt! I never grasped this until very recently 🦋 skills!
- Fulfillment: True fulfillment comes from knowing that we are loved, valued, and connected to others. It’s these connections that make our successes meaningful. In addition when you tap into YOUR own love ❤️ light 💡 again pretty life altering experiences

As we strive for success in our professional and personal lives, let’s remember to prioritize the people who make our journey worthwhile. Celebrate the victories, support each other through challenges, and cherish the moments spent together.

After all, it’s not about the destination, but the company along the way. The ride & how we spend time 🕰️ left!

Who are the people that make your journey special? Share your thoughts below!

Here is my dog Marley - he loves nothing more than spending time with me & him in the early hours of the morning when the birds 🐦 begin to chirp 🐣 softly we both relax in one another’s energy field, not wanting anything more than to sit with gratitude 🙏🏻

The chicken 🐔 tries to pop n too 🦋🤣🫶🏻