THRIVE
What is Thrive?
Thrive is a trauma-sensitive approach aimed at meeting the emotional and social developmental needs of children. Our lovely Thrive Practitioner, Mrs Meads, uses Thrive Online to assess the children she work with to identify their current developmental strand (see below). Miss Meads will then tailor an Action Plan (with strategies and suggested activities) to help support the child’s emotional and social needs.
The Thrive Approach is based on:
- Child Development Theory
- Neuroscience research
- Attachment Theory
- Creativity and Play
The Thrive Model: Child Development Theory
The coloured strands represent different stages of development. Each stage follows on from the other sequentially, meaning that a child is not able to move onto the next stage of development until their needs are met in the current stage. The stages are as follows:
Being (the first stage of Thrive)
Doing
Thinking
Power and Identity
Skills and Structure
Creativity and Play
Creativity and play are central to helping children to meet their developmental milestones within the Thrive Approach. Play promotes healthy brain development through the release of feel-good chemicals and the experience of positive emotions. This in turn leads to the development of positive relationships and the ability to meet the emotional and social needs of the children we work with.
Our Thrive Practitioner, Mrs Meads, conducts one-to-one and small group sessions to help support pupils with their social and emotional wellbeing and mental health. Please contact the Mrs Meads or Mrs C, our Pastoral Manager, via welfare@amesbury.wilts.sch.uk if you wish to find out more information. We also have Thrive leaflets available in the reception area. More information about the Thrive approach can be found at https://www.thriveapproach.com/.
Family Thrive
In the very near future we will be offering Family Thrive courses to parents and carers of our pupils. Family Thrive is a short course that schools run for parents and carers to help them understand the Thrive Approach and how it makes a difference to the wellbeing of children – and therefore the whole family.
Family Thrive offers families simple strategies and activities that help build positive relationships with children, ensuring that there is a common approach to wellbeing and relationships at home and at school. But why is this so important and what benefits does it bring?
More likely to succeed
Attainment
When schools and families work together, pupils are more likely to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Positive family/school relationships contribute to better attendance, higher grades, improved behavior, and increased motivation to learn. Families provide vital support and reinforcement of learning at home, which complements and extends the work done in the classroom.
Communication and engagement
Building positive relationships with families promotes open and effective communication between schools and parents. Regular and meaningful communication helps parents stay informed about their child's progress, school activities, and upcoming events. It also allows parents to share important information about their child's needs, interests, and concerns. Engaged families are more likely to be involved in their child's education, attend parents’ evenings and actively participate in school events and activities.
Positive relationships
Collaborative problem-solving
When schools and families establish positive relationships, they create a foundation for collaborative problem-solving. Working together, they can address challenges and find solutions that best meet the needs of the students. Families can provide valuable insights into their child's strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles, which can inform instructional strategies and interventions. By involving families in decision-making processes, schools can create a sense of shared responsibility and ownership, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions.
Inclusion
Positive relationships with families help schools to better understand and appreciate the diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, and experiences of their pupils. By valuing and respecting the cultural perspectives and practices of families, schools can create inclusive environments where all children and young people feel welcome, respected, and understood. This fosters a sense of belonging and enhances educational experiences for pupils from different backgrounds.
Partnerships between schools and families
Community building
Schools that actively engage with families contribute to building a strong sense of community. When families feel connected to their children’s school, they are more likely to support its initiatives, volunteer their time and expertise, and participate in school-wide events. These partnerships between schools and families extend beyond the academic realm, benefiting the entire community and promoting a positive and supportive educational environment.
Watch this space for more information!