Supporting Children’s Emotional Development and Wellbeing
Supporting Children’s Emotional Development and Wellbeing
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The journey through childhood is filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and moments of joy. As parents, we want our children to thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and socially. The Thrive Approach is an educational and therapeutic model designed to help children and young people develop the social and emotional skills they need to flourish.
"The Thrive support has been brilliant and 'needed' I can't thank Mrs Harrison enough. My child now has the capability to deal better with her emotions and understand what she is feeling and why she is feeling this."
Thrive Parent
What is the Thrive Approach?
What is the Thrive Approach?
At its heart, the Thrive Approach encourages adults - parents, carers, and teachers - to understand the emotional needs behind a child’s behaviour. Rather than simply reacting to misbehaviour or emotional outbursts, Thrive teaches us to look deeper, recognising that children communicate through their actions as much as their words.
Thrive is underpinned by scientific research in neuroscience, child development, and attachment theory. It acknowledges that all children go through developmental stages, and sometimes, life events or stresses can disrupt this process. The Thrive Approach provides practical strategies and activities to help children re-engage with these stages, rebuilding confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
How does Thrive Work?
How does Thrive Work?
At Cross-in-Hand Primary School, Thrive is a whole school approach. Every member of staff receives Thrive training every year so we can support our children and young people as a whole. We also have a small team of Thrive practitioners that work 1:1 with some children and in small groups.
Thrive practitioners assess a child’s social and emotional development using the Thrive online profiling tool. This assessment helps identify areas where a child may need extra support, whether that’s in building self-esteem, managing emotions, developing friendships, or coping with setbacks.
Following the assessment, practitioners work with parents and teachers to deliver targeted activities. These might include role play, storytelling, creative arts, play, and mindfulness techniques—each designed to strengthen emotional regulation and social skills. Crucially, Thrive is not a “one size fits all” programme; it’s tailored to the needs of each child, ensuring that support is meaningful and effective.
"For our son it has provided sense of safety knowing he has these sessions where where someone wants to speak with him."
Thrive Parent
Why is the Thrive Approach Important?
Why is the Thrive Approach Important?
"Our child is less negative about herself"
Thrive Parent
Children’s emotional wellbeing is at the core of the Thrive Approach. Research shows that children who feel valued, secure, and understood are more likely to be confident, engaged learners and to navigate social relationships successfully. When emotional needs are unmet, children may struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, or behavioural challenges.
Thrive helps school staff. parents and carers move from managing behaviour to nurturing emotional growth. By understanding what a child needs—whether comfort, boundaries, or encouragement—adults can respond in ways that build trust and connection. Over time, children learn to express their feelings, resolve conflicts, and take positive risks in their learning.
What can Parents do?
What can Parents do?
Parents play a vital role in supporting the Thrive Approach at home. Simple actions—such as spending quality time together, listening without judgement, and encouraging children to talk about their feelings - help reinforce emotional safety and resilience. Thrive practitioners can offer guidance, resources, and activities for families, ensuring that the skills children learn at school are supported at home.
We offer family Thrive at Cross-in-Hand primary for all parents and care givers that wish to attend – a course of four free sessions that helps explain more about Thrive but also to share strategies and an understanding that behaviour is a form of communication, which in turn helps each child feel heard, supported and valued.
In summary, the Thrive Approach empowers children to understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and develop into resilient adults. By working together—schools, families, and communities—we can help every child thrive.
"Our son is defiantly calmer which for him is such a good place to be in. Thank you so much."
Thrive Parent
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