The Thrive Approach

Thrive at Malvern Wells Primary School

What is Thrive?

The Thrive Approach is a dynamic, developmental, trauma-informed, whole school approach to meeting the emotional and social developmental needs of all children and young people.  Early identification of emotional development needs, builds resilience, reduces the risk of mental illness, and promotes positive learning within the classroom.

Fundamental to the Approach is the finding from neuroscientific research that children's brains develop in response to their experiences in relationships. This means that if we want to support optimal development in children, we need to understand their specific social and emotional needs at each age and then provide them with the right set of experiences and relationships to meet those needs. 

Some children have unmet needs from earlier in their development, which are known as ‘developmental interruptions’. These interruptions can make it difficult for children to access learning, manifesting in behaviours such as problems forming relationships with others, difficulties with focusing and staying on task, verbal and physical aggression, agitation, avoidance and zoning out.

Through observations and the use of the Thrive online program, our licensed Thrive practitioner can select age-appropriate strategies and activities, to support the child’s emotional wellbeing. 

By using the Thrive approach, we will:

• Develop a holistic approach to support children’s mental health and wellbeing.
• Provide early identification and effective support for children who are experiencing emotional, social, or behavioural difficulties.
• Provide a safe environment for children to express, explore and learn to manage strong feelings.
• Support and supply the necessary tools to help build the child’s resilience; to self-soothe and to regulate their emotions.
• Develop supportive relationships between peers, and between the children and adults in school.
• Provide children with strong foundations that will carry the child into adulthood.

For more information about the Thrive Approach, see the website:

https://www.thriveapproach.com or contact Mrs Emma Jackson, Thrive practitioner at Malvern Wells Primary School.