Thrive
Thrive at Gladstone Park Primary School
At Gladstone Park Primary School, we are proud to be a Thrive school — part of a growing family of schools committed to nurturing children’s social, emotional and mental wellbeing so they can engage confidently in learning and school life.
What is the Thrive Approach?
Thrive is an evidence-based, developmental approach used in schools to support children’s emotional, social and behavioural development. It recognises that behaviour is a form of communication — and helps adults understand what children might be feeling when they find school or relationships difficult.
The approach is underpinned by research from child development theory, neuroscience and attachment theory. It helps us identify where a child is emotionally and provides practical strategies, activities and support so children feel secure and ready to learn.
How Thrive Works at Gladstone Park
A Whole-School Culture
At Gladstone Park, Thrive is not just a programme — it’s part of our school culture. This means:
• Thrive principles inform how staff relate to and support children every day.
• We use Thrive to understand behaviour, celebrate achievements, and help children develop emotional language and regulation skills.
• Thrive is embedded in our ethos: positive relationships, emotional safety, resilience and wellbeing are central to how we teach and nurture every pupil.
This school-wide approach helps all children — not just those with identified needs — feel valued, safe and able to thrive. It also aligns to our trust-wide commitment within Anthem Trust to promote wellbeing across every school.
Thrive Sessions: Individual and Group Support
Thrive support takes many forms, depending on what each child needs.
Individual Thrive Support
Some children benefit from 1:1 sessions where targeted activities help them learn emotional regulation, build confidence and develop strong self-awareness.
Small Group Thrive Activities
Other children take part in small group sessions. These give children opportunities to practise social skills, build positive friendships and learn alongside peers in a supportive setting.
Activities are varied and engaging
Examples of Thrive session activities include:
• storytelling and circle games
• arts, crafts and creative expression
• role-play or puppet work
• movement and relaxation activities
• sensory play and collaborative games
These activities help children express feelings they may not yet have words for, practise emotional skills, and build trusting relationships with adults and peers.
Meet Our Thrive Licensed Practitioners
Our trained Thrive practitioners lead and oversee the provision at Gladstone Park:
Uilani Marcis-Burog
Assistant Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Sonia Rea
Assistant SENDCo & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Both Uilani and Sonia are licensed in the Thrive Approach and use Thrive-Online assessments and tailored action planning to support children’s emotional development.
Thrive: Building Confidence, Resilience and Wellbeing
The Thrive Approach helps children to:
• feel good about themselves
• understand and manage their feelings
• form positive relationships
• develop resilience and confidence
• engage more fully in school life and learning
By embedding Thrive across our school community and with Anthem Trust schools working together to share best practice, we are committed to ensuring every child has the support they need to flourish — emotionally, socially and academically.
To explore more about the research that underpins Thrive:
https://www.thriveapproach.com/impact-and-research/research-behind-thrive
For more information about visit the Thrive website
