Thrive Approach

What is Thrive?

Thrive is a therapeutic approach to help support children with their emotional and social development. It is a whole school approach based around, current studies of effective learning and current models of child development – in order to help the school to understand the needs being signalled by children’s behaviour.

The Thrive approach offers practical strategies and techniques and is built around online assessments which identify children’s emotional development and provides action plans for their individual needs. Whole classes can also use Thrive techniques and activities to address any issues or as part of PSHE sessions in school.

It has been scientifically proven that there is a link between a child’s sense of wellbeing and their success as learners- if pupils feel happy and supported at school, they are much more likely to achieve success in their learning. The Thrive Approach also supports pupils as they learn to think about their emotions, choices and friendships so that they are able to develop into confident, skilful young people who enjoy learning and respect each other. The Thrive Approach highlights the importance of being safe, feeling special and having our needs met which are key to a child’s sense of wellbeing. If these 3 aspects are met, pupils are more likely to develop robust ‘stress management’ systems. This means that pupils are more likely to be resilient and regulate more quickly after experiencing difficult feelings such as disappointment or frustration. Without a strong stress management system, they may be more inclined to react to these feelings in an ‘explosive’ way.

In school, Mrs Watson has been trained as a licensed skilled Thrive Practitioner. Targeted intervention is given to pupils who need this when something may have knocked them off track emotionally, in the same way that St Francis of Assisi C of E primary School offers additional support for pupils who are finding academic subjects challenging.

Why might my child attend a Thrive session?

Everyone! Though they might not realise it. All of our pupils will have access to regular class-based Thrive activities as part of PSHCE in areas such as sharing, turn taking, importance of rules and respectful behaviour. Many children will respond to the care, understanding and support given by parents, family, friends and teachers. However, some children need a little bit extra.

Some children will also require individual or small group sessions. Just like adults, some children experience difficulties during their time at school and these difficulties may also be present at home.

Many children experience difficulties during their time at school. These may include:

  • Difficulties with friendships.
  • Getting into trouble at playtime.
  • Finding it hard to settle in the classroom.
  • Finding it difficult to manage their strong feelings.
  • Not knowing who to turn to when feelings are too big to manage on their own.

These situations can lead to many different feelings which may seem overwhelming at times. They might include: anger, frustration, sadness, loneliness, confusion or anxiety.

All these feelings are very normal and happen to a lot of children. The Thrive sessions are to help children learn to manage their feelings and teach them strategies that will help promote their learning at school.

What will happen in a Thrive session?

The session may be on an individual basis or as part of a small group of children. During each session there will be an activity which may include:

Activities might include playing in the sand, cooking, painting, model making, exploring difficult situations through role-play or comic strips, playing strategy games or projects focusing on the child’s own interests. Action Plans are shared with parents who are encouraged to do some of the activities at home with their child. Action Plans are reviewed regularly to monitor the progress children have made.

Our Vision and Aims

Our Vision is to:

Develop children emotionally so they are able to recognise and distinguish their emotions and learn ways of responding to their feelings appropriately.

We aim to:

  • Provide alternative support for children who are experiencing emotional, social or behavioural difficulties.
  • Provide a safe and calm environment for children to develop their skills.
  • Enable children to take pride in their achievements and enhance self-esteem.
  • Help children to manage their feelings and develop skills to enjoy and participate in school life.
  • Use positive approaches to manage all behaviours.

More Information

For more information about the Thrive approach see the website: www.thriveapproach.co.uk or contact Mrs Marie Watson the Thrive Practitioner at St Francis of Assisi C of E Primary School on 01642 769942

“Staff are caring and seem to genuinely care about his happiness and safety.”