The Thrive Approach

Thrive is a structured approach to the early identification of the emotional developmental needs in children and young people. The Thrive Approach supports children with their emotional health, wellbeing and social skills which are necessary to enable learning to take place.

It is based on the latest research in neuroscience (where evidence shows that the brain develops through personal and social interaction), play, creativity, the arts, child development theory and attachment theory. This all helps us to understand the needs that the children are communicating to us through their actions, as children cannot always put their needs into words. It also equips the adults in their role in how to be and what to do in response to a child’s differing and sometimes distressed behaviour.

Our Thrive practitioners work closely alongside mainstream school staff and parents to carry out assessments and create an Action Plan of targeted strategies and activities to help support a child’s emotional development. The Action Plans are shared with school staff and parents. Parents are encouraged to have a go at some of the activities at home with their child. We review and update Action Plans regularly to assess the progress the child has made.

The sessions can be based on one to one interaction or in a small group. Activities are play-based and may include cooking, playing in sand, playing with bubbles, painting, sensory play and exploring emotions.

Positive relationships are at the heart of Thrive. During our Thrive sessions we use these relationships together with play and creative activities to establish a safe, containing environment where your child can relax and enjoy shared enjoyment and fun.