Emotional Wellbeing and Thrive

At Rowde C of E Primary Academy, we believe that positive mental health and emotional wellbeing are fundamental to every child's happiness, development and success. Children learn best when they feel safe, valued, understood and have a genuine sense of belonging.

Guided by our Christian vision to Learn, Grow and Love, we are committed to creating a nurturing environment where every child is known, supported and encouraged to flourish. Through strong relationships, high expectations and a culture of kindness, we help children develop the confidence, resilience and emotional skills they need both in school and beyond.

We recognise that all children experience a range of emotions and challenges as they grow and learn. By working in partnership with families and placing emotional wellbeing at the heart of school life, we aim to ensure every child feels equipped to navigate life's opportunities and challenges with confidence.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing Every Day

Promoting emotional wellbeing is the responsibility of every adult in our school. It is woven throughout our curriculum, behaviour policy and everyday interactions with children, rather than being limited to specific interventions.

We support children's social, emotional and mental health through:

• a positive, relational approach to behaviour, recognising that behaviour is a form of communication;
• our Christian vision and values, encouraging children to Learn, Grow and Love;
• Collective Worship, PSHE and wider curriculum opportunities that develop emotional literacy, empathy and resilience;
• consistent emotional language using the Inside Out characters to help children recognise, understand and talk about their feelings;
• opportunities for children to reflect on their emotions, choices and relationships as part of our restorative behaviour approach;
• trusted relationships with caring adults who know each child well;
• staff who are trained in supporting children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs through attachment-aware and trauma-informed approaches.

All of our Teaching Assistants have completed specialist SEMH behaviour training, enabling them to better understand behaviour as communication and provide consistent, compassionate support for children throughout the school day.

Additional Support Through Thrive

Whilst our whole-school approach meets the needs of most children, we recognise that some pupils will need additional support at different times during their school journey. We use a graduated approach, ensuring that support is carefully matched to each child's individual strengths and needs.

While our universal approach meets the needs of most children, some pupils benefit from additional targeted support. At Rowde Primary Academy, we use the Thrive Approach as part of our graduated response
to supporting children's emotional wellbeing.

The Thrive Approach is a research-informed programme based on child development, attachment theory and neuroscience. Using the Thrive Online assessment tool, we build a clear picture of a child's social and emotional development and identify personalised strategies to help them develop confidence, emotional resilience and positive relationships.

We are proud to be a Thrive school because the approach complements our whole-school ethos. It enables us to better understand children's emotional needs, strengthen relationships and provide targeted support that helps every child feel safe, secure and ready to learn.

Our Thrive Team

Our Thrive provision is led by our trained Thrive Practitioner, Mrs Godwin, supported by Miss K, who is currently completing her Thrive Practitioner training.

Support may be delivered individually or in small groups, depending on each child's needs. Sessions are carefully planned and tailored to the individual, using engaging activities such as games, role-play, storytelling, creative activities and discussion. They take place in our dedicated Calm Room, providing a safe, nurturing environment where children feel supported and valued.

Thrive support may help children to develop:

• emotional awareness and regulation;
• resilience and confidence;
• self-esteem;
• positive friendships and social skills;
• strategies for managing conflict and strong emotions;
• coping skills following change, loss or bereavement;
• greater independence and readiness to learn.

How Thrive Support Works

Children are usually referred for Thrive support by their class teacher, the SENDCo or a member of the Senior Leadership Team when additional emotional support is identified.

Before beginning a programme, we use the Thrive assessment process alongside our knowledge of the child to identify strengths, priorities and personalised outcomes. A tailored programme of support is then delivered over approximately 6–8 weeks, after which progress is reviewed and next steps agreed.

Throughout the process, we work closely with families to ensure that support is consistent and that children receive the encouragement they need both at school and at home.

You can read more about Thrive support here:

Thrive Parents Carers GuideThis video explains about our 'Window of Tolerance', the zone we need to be in to function, and of course learn, best. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wcm-1FBrDvU

Working Together

We know that parents and carers know their children best and believe that the most successful support is achieved when home and school work together.

If you are ever worried about your child's emotional wellbeing, please don't wait until concerns become overwhelming. Speaking to us early often enables us to provide the right support at the right time.

In the first instance, please speak to your child's class teacher, who will work alongside our pastoral team, Thrive practitioners and Senior Mental Health Lead where appropriate.

Further information

You can read more about our whole-school approach in our Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Policy, available on the Policies section of our website.