What Is the Thrive Approach and How We Use It at Guilsborough Academy

At Guilsborough Academy, we are committed to supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. One of the key frameworks we use to achieve this is the Thrive Approach, a research-based strategy designed to nurture the emotional wellbeing of children and young people.

What Is the Thrive Approach?

The Thrive Approach is a trauma-sensitive, developmental model that helps children and young people understand and regulate their emotions. Rooted in neuroscience, attachment theory, and child development research, Thrive provides educators with tools to identify emotional needs and respond with targeted support. It is particularly effective for pupils who may be experiencing emotional distress or behavioural challenges, offering both universal and individualised interventions. 

Thrive practitioners use online assessment tools to pinpoint gaps in a child’s social and emotional development. These assessments generate personalised action plans that guide activities tailored to the child’s developmental stage. Strategies may be delivered through whole-class teaching, small group work, or one-to-one sessions. The approach emphasises relational teaching, recognising the importance of consistent, positive adult relationships in helping children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.

How We Use Thrive at Guilsborough Academy

Thrive is embedded across our school culture and curriculum. It is not a standalone programme but a whole-school ethos that informs how we approach behaviour, wellbeing, and learning. Here’s how we implement Thrive:

• Staff Training and CPD: All staff receive regular Thrive training, including twilight sessions and department-based workshops. Training days often include time to reflect on how Thrive is working in our school and how it supports our behaviour policy and pastoral care.

• Departmental Integration: Departments are encouraged to include Thrive strategies in their agendas and planning. This ensures that students receive a consistent, supportive approach across all subjects.

• Behaviour and Culture: Thrive underpins our behaviour policy, helping staff frame conversations around behaviour in a way that promotes emotional growth and resilience. It supports our goal of creating a culture where students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.

• Research and Evaluation: Thrive is part of our Academy Improvement Plan and research projects. Staff are encouraged to explore its impact on behaviour, learning adaptations, and feedback strategies. We use evidence from the Thrive programme and other educational research bodies like the EEF to inform our practice. 

• Student Support: Thrive helps us identify students who may need additional emotional support. These pupils receive tailored interventions, and their progress is monitored through action plans and regular reviews. We also work closely with parents and carers to ensure a joined-up approach to wellbeing.

Why Thrive Matters

By embedding Thrive into our school culture, we aim to:

• Improve student wellbeing and resilience
• Reduce behavioural incidents and exclusions
• Enhance engagement and academic outcomes
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and emotionally literate learning environment

Thrive is more than a programme—it’s a philosophy that aligns with our values of integrity, teamwork, and respect. It helps us ensure that every child is supported not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.