About Our Mission
Building financial confidence in young people, one lesson at a time
Where It All Started
glistening-path began in 2018 when our founder, after years of working in financial services, noticed a troubling pattern: adults struggling with basic money management because nobody had taught them the fundamentals as children.
The solution seemed obvious but was surprisingly absent from most educational frameworks. While children learned algebra and essay writing, they rarely received structured guidance on budgeting, saving, or understanding the value of money.
What started as a Saturday morning workshop for twelve children in Headingley has grown into a comprehensive programme serving thousands of young learners across Leeds and surrounding areas.
Our Core Beliefs
Every decision we make is guided by these foundational principles
Learning Should Be Joyful
Financial concepts do not have to be dry or intimidating. When children associate money with positive experiences and achievable goals, they develop healthy attitudes that persist.
Every Child Deserves Access
Financial literacy should not be a privilege reserved for certain families. We partner with schools across Leeds to ensure our programmes reach children from all backgrounds.
Parents Are Partners
What happens at home matters as much as what happens in our sessions. We equip families with tools and conversation starters to reinforce learning beyond the classroom.
The Team Behind the Programmes
Our facilitators combine professional expertise with genuine passion for youth education. Each team member brings a unique perspective to financial literacy.
From former teachers who understand how children learn best, to finance professionals who can translate complex concepts into accessible ideas, our team is what makes our programmes effective.
Every facilitator undergoes extensive training in child safeguarding, positive behaviour management, and age-appropriate instruction methods before leading any session.
Meet Our TeamOur Leadership
The people shaping the future of financial education in Leeds
Emma Harrington
Founder & Director
Former financial advisor with 15 years in the industry. Passionate about making money skills accessible to all young people.
David Patel
Head of Curriculum
Primary school teacher turned curriculum designer. Creates engaging content that makes complex ideas simple.
Rachel O'Connor
Schools Partnership Lead
Builds relationships with schools across Yorkshire. Ensures our programmes integrate smoothly with existing curricula.
Our Approach to Learning
Engage
Every session begins with an activity that captures attention and connects to real experiences children already have with money.
Explore
Hands-on challenges let learners discover concepts through trial and error in a safe, supportive environment.
Explain
Facilitators guide discussion, helping children connect their discoveries to broader financial principles.
Apply
Take-home activities and family challenges ensure learning extends beyond the workshop into daily life.
Recognised for Excellence
Our work has been acknowledged by organisations committed to improving financial capability across the United Kingdom.
- Certified by the Money and Pensions Service
- Endorsed by Leeds City Council Education Department
- Member of the Financial Education Forum
- Recipient of the Yorkshire Children's Charity Award 2024
These partnerships allow us to stay current with best practices and continuously improve our programmes based on the latest research in financial education.