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Happy Hedgehog Learning Jo Adams

@happyhedgehoglearning

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Eleven years ago, I never imagined I’d be traveling to London as a finalist for Primary Tutor of the Year 2026.

Tomorrow, that’s exactly what I’ll be doing and I can’t wait to celebrate being shortlisted amongst so many amazing tutors, tuition businesses and educational resource providers from across the country.

I have to admit… I’m very nervous! Getting all dressed up for a glitzy awards evening in London isn’t my usual Friday night. I’m much more familiar with a pjs night on the sofa watching Netflix!

But tomorrow, I’ll proudly swap my trainers for heels, my wipeboard pens for a glass of fizz and celebrate just how far Happy Hedgehog Learning has come from it’s original start as Mrs Adams Primary Tuition.

I’ll be sharing as much as I can in my stories, so come along with me as I travel to London and meet lots of lovely tutors who are all passionate about making a difference. 🥂

#nta2026 #awardslondon #shortlisted by @happyhedgehoglearning

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24 days ago

Your child has been practising times tables… but the facts just don’t stick.

The class moves on to new ones… and suddenly they’re forgetting what they just learned. Overwhelm creeps in. Confidence drops.

You’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to be this way.

I’ve created a FREE Parent Guide: Times Tables Without Tears to help you:
✔️ Identify which facts your child really needs to focus on
✔️ Know the best order to learn them
✔️ Start making real progress
✔️ Build confidence (without the stress)

You’ll also get a free multiplication mat to support homework as they learn.

👉 Comment TABLES below and I’ll send it to you🔗
Or grab it via the link in my bio (Linktree)

#timestables #multiplication #mathshelp #primarymaths #year4 by @happyhedgehoglearning

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3 months ago

It’s Saturday morning and I need to get my classroom ready for the 11 Plus Mock Experience.

Following a number of parent requests, I’m offering pupils the opportunity to sit the practice papers back to back, under timed conditions, to help them experience the flow of exam day

Pupils sit the 45 minute English paper first followed by a short break, juice and a biscuit.

Pupils then sit the 50 minute Maths paper with another quick break before sitting the Verbal Reasoning paper.

Pupils have so far reported that they’ve found the experience really useful as they were nervous about sitting three tests, back to back.

Following the day, parents receive a brief report with scores, an analysis and areas of focus going forward.

Pupils will receive their papers back in their upcoming tuition sessions as we work and learn from corrections together.

I’m looking forward to offering more of these Mock Experience sessions in the near future.

#verbalreasoning #11plusmocktests #11plustutor #mathstutor by @happyhedgehoglearning

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13 days ago

What an amazing day yesterday in Blackpool at TutorFest.

As a northerner, I’m used to jumping on a train south for events and conferences. Having TutorFest just down the road from me this year was a real treat.

I loved the seaside theme weaved through the whole day, postcards, passports, Blackpool rock and the penny arcade gave it a unique and memorable touch.

We started with a motivational talk from @therealdanmeredith who basically told us (in a nut shell) to stop dreaming about it and get it done. I will be taking this advice.

@lisajohnsonstrategist sent a recorded chat about her experiences in business and the social media world.

@vickitutorswhothrive and @tutorswhothrive shared some lessons from a sun lounger about how not to sell.

We enjoyed afternoon tea in the famous Tower Ballroom and watched the dancers twirl around the floor before nipping out for some sea air on the prom. The weather was absolutely glorious. A true seaside day.

After lunch, @sophiekimhughes shared what she had learned from the early decisions in her business.

@charlotte_bailey_therapies recognised our people pleasing tenancies and how they’ve been shaped, sharing helpful advice.

To finish the day @ict_mrp gave a truly insightful talk into the dangers children and adults face in the digital age. Truly thought provoking.

He rounded the day with how to use tech purposefully to enhance learning safely. He used AI to generate a great TutorFest soundtrack that I’m sure many of us were dying to dance to. I know I was.

A truly fabulous day of learning and connection with tutors. I met some fabulous tutors. Too many to tag for fear of missing someone but thank you Rich and Vicki for organising.

It was fan-dabbi-dozi. 🙌👏

#tutorfest2026 #tutors #networking by @happyhedgehoglearning

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15 days ago

Off to Blackpool Tower Ballroom tomorrow for TutorFest.

Really looking forward to hearing from lots of amazing speakers including @lisajohnsonstrategist @ict_mrp and @therealdanmeredith as well meeting lots of inspiring tutors.

#tutorfest2026 #blackpooltowerballroom #learninganddevelopment #tutoring by @happyhedgehoglearning

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16 days ago

I’m sat outside in the garden today. I’ve still got lots of work to do but trying to take life a little slower today and enjoy the sunshine.

It’s been really busy lately and I think we’re all a little tired but I’m so lucky to be able to have the choice to work differently.

I’ve still got things I need to do but I’m enjoying the flexibility tutoring offers me.

Enjoying the quiet moments.

#mathstutor #tutorlife #enjoyingthesun by @happyhedgehoglearning

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17 days ago

I’m back from the exciting National Tutors’ Awards in London and meeting lots of other lovely tutors, tuition businesses and education resource providers.

Today, I’ve been networking with lots of other tutors on The Tutor Exchange kindly hosted by Jane Bilham @vireo_academy. It was a fantastic hour of connection and sharing experience. I’m really looking forward to the next one already.

On Friday, I’m off to Blackpol for TutorFest @tutorswhothrive event. I can’t wait to catch up with more tutors who I haven’t seen for a while, meet some new people and learn lots to help my little Happy Hedgehog thrive.

I’m quite shy ordinarily but trying to step outside of my comfort zone and stretch myself… just like the challenge handed to me by @hey_cathleen. Thank you Cathleen for encouraging me.

#mathstutor #networking #connectionmatters by @happyhedgehoglearning

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19 days ago

On Friday 3rd July 2026, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the @tutorsassoc National Tutors’ Award at the Royal Lancaster Hotel after being shortlisted for Primary Tutor of the Year 2026.

After some chaos on the trains and a quick change at our hotel, we walked down the red carpet, had photographs and mingled amongst the crowd. We chatted to many talented tutors, business owners and edtech creators all with inspiring stories and visions for making a huge impact in education.

We found our table in the ballroom and sat down for a fabulous dinner, award presentation and some lovely chats on our table. Arthur @moore_edu kept us all in giggles with light hearted chats and we all cheered on the winners.

Whilst my heart wanted to dance the hours away, my head made the sensible decision to get some sleep.

On Saturday we were spoilt for choice in how to entertain ourselves in London: PRIDE parade or BST in the parks, we opted for @raceacrosstheworld London and enjoyed searching for clues in parts of London we hadn’t visited before.

After miles of walking, it was time for the train home.

An amazing 36 hours of memories made.

#nta26 #mathstutor #londonexperience by @happyhedgehoglearning

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20 days ago

Have you ever looked at your child’s maths homework and wondered where to start?

You’re not alone. One of the questions I’m asked most often by parents is how to explain the Maths methods taught in primary school and why do we teach them in this way?

That’s why I’ve created a growing collection of free, parent-friendly KS2 Maths guides in the blog section of my web page.

The link to my website is in the bio.
Follow me for for more mini Maths demos.

#ks2maths #primarymaths #mathstutor by @happyhedgehoglearning

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25 days ago

Okay. So I didn’t manage my 5 day challenge last week but I’m going to keep popping on to say hello.

Last week was probably the busiest week in my business since I started.

We also had our very first 11+ Mock Experience: to give children a flavour of what to expect on the day. It went really well. The pupil mentioned that he had been worried about sitting 3 exams, back to back, but felt much better having experienced it.

The Mock Experience also gave myself and the family new areas to work on in the final phase of our tuition, including timing and technique.

I have another jam packed week of tuition this week to look forward to and 🥁…. on Friday, I’m off to London for the National Tutors’ Awards…very exciting.

Have a great week everyone. See you soon.

#behindthescenes #tutorlife #11plustutor #ttaawards by @happyhedgehoglearning

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a month ago

I’m back with another behind the scenes … A little bit later than normal as I nearly forgot🤦🏻‍♀️.

Lots of lovely 1:1 tuition today. We had two morning Maths sessions this morning starting at 7:15am.

I’ve been recording Module 8 of my Verbal Reasoning course today too before an online Maths session with a pupil in India.

This evening has been lots of 30 minute, 1:1 sessions with lovely KS2 pupils. One parent even brought me an ice lolly. So kind.

Just a couple of lessons left then a cold shower. It’s been a hot one.

Rising to the challenge @hey_cathleen

#myday #mathstutor #primarymaths by @happyhedgehoglearning

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a month ago

What is the expanded method of multiplication?

Here’s a short explanation of how it works.

It’s similar in layout to the column method we are probably most familiar with. It’s a great first step to that method but helps children understand the value of each digit in the calculation, supporting understanding and mental calculation agility.

1️⃣Children start by multiplying the ones 4 x 5 =20 and writing the answer below the line.

2️⃣ Then the children move left to the 3, recognising that this is represents 30 x 5 =150, again writing the answer below the line.

3️⃣ The children then move left again to the last digit 1, which represents 100 x 5 =500, jotting this answer below the precious two.

4️⃣ The final step is to add all the answers together.

For more mini demos of Primary Maths calculations plus top tips, please follow my account.

#primarymaths #primarymathssupport #multiplication by @happyhedgehoglearning

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a month ago