Thrive

At Elms School, where every student has Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, we are dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures every aspect of our students’ development. We have implemented a comprehensive Thrive approach, to ensure that each child receives the personalised care and attention necessary to thrive both academically and emotionally.

Thrive is an approach used in schools, particularly those focused on Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH), to support the emotional and psychological development of children and adolescents. Here is a breakdown of what Thrive practice entails and how it benefits students at both primary and secondary levels:

What is Thrive Practice?

Thrive practice is a structured approach designed to help children and young people develop healthy, secure attachments and manage their emotions effectively. It focuses on understanding and addressing the emotional needs of students, promoting positive mental health, and supporting learning.

Thrive helps identify and support the unique emotional and social needs of each child, ensuring that these needs are met appropriately.

Thrive creates a supportive and nurturing school environment where children feel safe, understood, and valued.

Interventions are tailored to the child's specific developmental stage, ensuring they receive the right support at the right time for their growth and well-being.

Thrive takes a holistic view of each child, considering their emotional well-being as integral to their overall development and academic success.

Key Components of Thrive Practice:

1.  Assessment : Thrive practitioners assess the emotional and social development of students to identify any gaps or issues. This helps tailor support to individual needs.

2.  Targeted Interventions : Based on the assessment, targeted interventions are designed to address specific needs. These can include one-on-one support, small group activities, or whole-class strategies.

3.  Developmental Stages : Thrive recognises different developmental stages and provides appropriate interventions at the "right time". These stages include:

    -  Being : Early years (birth to 3 years) - focuses on the child feeling safe and secure.

    -  Doing : Ages 3 to 7 years - focuses on developing autonomy and exploration.

    -  Thinking : Ages 7 to 11 years - encourages thinking and reasoning skills.

    -  Power and Identity : Adolescents (11+ years) - supports identity formation and independence.

Benefits of Thrive Practice:

-  Emotional Regulation : Helps students understand and manage their emotions.

-  Improved Relationships : Fosters better relationships between students and peers, as well as between students and teachers.

-  Enhanced Learning : By addressing emotional needs, students are better able to focus and engage in academic learning.

-  Resilience : Builds resilience and coping strategies for dealing with stress and challenges.

Thrive Practitioner Interventions:

Thrive practitioners use various techniques to support children, such as:

-  Play and Creative Activities : These activities help younger children express their feelings and build connections.

-  Talking and Reflective Activities : For older children and adolescents, these activities encourage self-awareness and reflection.

-  Social Skills Training : Activities designed to improve interpersonal skills and relationships.

-  Relaxation and Mindfulness : Techniques to help manage stress and promote emotional regulation.

Right Time Thrive:

"Right Time Thrive" refers to delivering the right support at the right developmental stage. By aligning interventions with the child’s current emotional and developmental needs, Thrive ensures more effective and meaningful support.

For Primary School Students:

-  Focus on Safety and Exploration : Ensuring that younger children feel secure and confident to explore their environment.

-  Building Foundations : Establishing strong emotional foundations for learning and social interactions.

For Secondary School Students:

-  Identity and Independence : Supporting adolescents in developing a strong sense of self and independence.

-  Navigating Challenges : Helping them navigate the complexities of adolescence, including peer pressure, academic demands, and emotional ups and downs.

Thrive Website