The Thrive Approach

The Thrive Approach draws on the

latest research from current neuroscience, recent attachment research,

current studies of effective learning and current models of child development,

 in order to help us to understand the needs being signalled by children's behaviour.

Working with parents and class teachers,

our Thrive practitioners carry out assessments of identified children's social,

emotional and behavioural needs

which help us to build an Action Plan

of targeted strategies and activities

to help children re-engage

with learning and life.

The Thrive approach is based on growing evidence that the brain develops through personal and social interaction.

The relationships that we have with significant adults is fundamental

to who we grow up to be.

Our brain is built through trillions of brain-cell connections made by sight, sound, smell, touch and movement.

Positive experiences enhance brain connections, and sustained negative experiences can restrict them.

Through simple, repeated activities over time, within a safe and caring environment,

Thrive aims to compensate for interruptions

in emotional development,

when they affect a child's ability

to enjoy life and learn.

A Thrive assessment helps us to identify emotional developmental needs

as early as possible,

in order to support and meet those needs

on an individual basis.

As well as offering new ways of dealing

with challenging behaviour, Thrive also offers both teaching staff and parents useful approaches to working

with and helping any child

who is experiencing emotional upheaval, whether short or long term.

This is not a quick-fix; it takes time

and commitment to see results.

However, from research it is clear that early intervention to support children's needs

is the most effective approach

to preventing issues becoming

more problematic in later life.

A Thrive Action Plan is a plan of activities tailored to support a child's identified

social and emotional learning targets.

The activities are one-to-one and

small group play and arts-based activities designed to help the child feel better

about themselves;

become more resilient and resourceful;

form trusting, rewarding relationships;

be compassionate and empathetic;

and/or be able

to overcome difficulties and setbacks.

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.

If you would like further information on

The Thrive Approach, please go to:

As a school we are using Thrive to support children with their emotional health,

well being and social skills,

all of which are needed for

learning to take place. 

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The Thrive approach begins with a

whole class, computerised screening,

where teachers answer a series of questions about each child in the class.

The computer programme then identifies any children who would benefit from a more detailed assessment,

which in turn suggests ideas,

activities and strategies

to support the individual child. 

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We believe that this approach can be of

huge benefit to all our children

and so on entry to school we are asking all parents and carers for permission to carry out a Thrive Screening on their child.

We will of course let you know of any concerns revealed by the screening

and you will be fully consulted and involved

in any follow-up activities.

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Sometimes it may be useful to share the results with other agencies, for example our Educational Psychologist or Behaviour Advisor, so we ask your permission

for this too.

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We have two trained members of staff

to support with the delivery of this approach across our schools.

However all staff have received training

to support with the delivery of the

Thrive Programme.