At Whittle Academy, we have adopted the Thrive Approach to support our children with their emotional literacy.

We recognize that children need to: be aware of their emotions; learn how to manage them; and apply thinking between feeling and action. Learning how to manage and express emotions through language is key, and at our schools we aim to develop an ethos where children are supported in doing so, resulting in positive behaviors with positive and effective learning.

Across our school, we have Licensed Practitioners who have supported in training the rest of the school team (Teachers, TAs, DRAs) in understanding more about how the brain works, and how we can support children in times of challenge through using VRFs (Vital Relational Functions).

Class teachers complete whole class screening (using THRIVE online) to draw out key areas of development which are then incorporated into a Class Action Plan, forming part of classes’ PSHE provision. In addition, some children access small group or individual support. The activities that children participate in encourage and promote brain development to ‘plug the gaps’ and develop emotional literacy through the use of creativity.

The THRIVE Approach is in its early days at Inspire Education Trust, but already we are beginning to see the benefits with our children.

With a programme of continuous development, our vision is for all our staff to be trained to use Thrive in order that we are able to use the insight to build healthy development, encourage pupils to increasingly self-regulate and embed strategies in social and emotional learning and positive behaviour choices, therefore underpinning academic progress.