What is Thrive? 

'The Thrive Approach' is a therapeutic program used to support children's social and emotional development, which in turn helps them engage with learning. The approach is preventative, reparative and pragmatic, helping to prepare children for the challenges they may face in life and how to overcome them. Children will develop their emotional literacy and strategies to face challenges head on, preparing them for their move to secondary school. 

Why might my child attend a Thrive session?

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

• Difficulties with friendships.
• Difficulties in unstructured sessions, i.e. playtime or lunchtime.
• Finding it hard to settle in the classroom or during lessons. 
• Struggling to manage their strong feelings. 
• Not knowing who to turn to when feelings are too big to manage alone. 

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.

How do we use 'Thrive' in school?

Our Thrive assistants, Mrs Baker and Mr Diehm are on hand to help children understand their emotions and engage more with learning. The sessions 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:

• Story Telling
• Circle games
• Arts and Crafts
• Sand play
• Movement and relaxation
• Hand/food massage
• Cooking and preparing food
• Role play and puppet work
• Games 

More information

For more information on The Thrive Approach, please see the attachments linked below. Alternatively, click on the link below.

Support for mental health and wellbeing in schools | The Thrive Approach