Mike Ogden
Life Coach, Mentor & Consultant

I am an experienced Pastoral Manager dedicated to supporting children and young people in their academic, social, emotional, and moral development. Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing countless students grow and thrive — and I firmly believe that nurturing emotional and social development is the key to unlocking their full potential. I help children and young people build the confidence, resilience, and self-worth they need to succeed — both in school and in life. Supporting Behaviour & Belonging In one of my previous roles, I led a successful initiative to improve behaviour and attendance across Years 7 to 11. Through targeted tracking systems and close collaboration with staff, we achieved: •33% reduction in low-level behaviour incidents •45% reduction in high-level behaviour incidents This was made possible by identifying patterns and triggers, then co-creating personalised interventions with pupils and staff. These included Individual Behaviour Plans (IBPs), exit passes, peer mentoring, and alternative timetables — all designed to empower young people to take ownership of their emotions and learning. Multi-Agency, Child-Centred Support I’ve supported children through a wide range of challenges — including bullying, anxiety, family breakdown, questions around identity or sexuality, and medical or neurodevelopmental concerns. I work closely with parents, Governors, Educational Psychologists, CAMHS, School Nurses, Social Workers, and other professionals to ensure families receive the joined-up support they need. This collaborative, wraparound approach is fully in line with GIRFEC and trauma-informed practice — seeing the child in context, and making sure they feel safe, supported, and included. My Practice Philosophy At the core of everything I do is relationship. I set clear expectations while remaining compassionate, consistent, and respectful. I believe that authenticity builds trust, and that trust is the foundation for growth. I’m especially passionate about working with children and young people who are considered vulnerable or have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). In these relationships, I offer: •Consistent 1:1 mentoring •Space to reflect on identity, self-worth, and purpose •Positive reinforcement that helps shift mindset and increase motivation I believe in recognising small wins, nurturing hope, and helping young people write new, more empowered stories about themselves. Lived Experience & Lifelong Learning My journey has also included overcoming challenges related to stereotypes and prejudice, which has deeply shaped my commitment to equity, acceptance, and continual self-awareness. I have undertaken numerous professional development courses, engaged in my own therapeutic work, and formally trained in counselling — starting with a Counselling Skills course, then completing an HNC, and now working towards an HND in Counselling. This personal and professional growth journey allows me to connect more deeply and authentically with those I support — and to meet them not just with strategies, but with understanding. My Approach Today I use a Person-Centred approach across all my work — whether I’m coaching a parent, mentoring a child, or supporting a team. I help clients: •Understand their emotions and behaviours •Develop self-compassion and emotional literacy •Set meaningful goals and move forward with purpose Whether you’re a parent, young person, or professional — I’m here to listen, to guide, and to help you build the confidence to navigate whatever comes next.