The THRIVE Approach draws on the latest research from current neuroscience, recent attachment research, current studies of effective learning and current models of child development, in order to help us to understand the needs being signalled by children’s behaviour. Hatfield Community Free School is committed to providing every child with Thrive support. We recognise children who require additional support with understanding their emotions and help them develop strategies to cope with these emotions in 1:1 and small group sessions with a Thrive Practitioner. 

From September 2024 we rolled out Thrive on a larger scale, leading daily timetabled activities which underpin the theory in all classrooms. Every class dedicates 90 minutes a week enhancing and supporting children's social and emotional development in addition to our core curriculum. This is because we recognise that our children need to feel safe, special and have their needs met in order to learn. 

Our timetabled sessions consist of:

1. a whole school check-in on a Monday morning to discuss how we are each feeling. This allows adults to 'read the room' and identify children who require some additional emotional support in the week ahead;
2. an action plan focussed session where staff use their analysis of the emotional & social needs of the class to develop children's right time development;
3. a 'big questions' session where all children have an opportunity to share their views on current topics and philosophical questions;
4. a whole school check-out before hometime on a Friday where classes can celebrate successes of the week.

Explore these sessions more in the links below. 

Reparative Work 

In addition to our whole school approach, we lead reparative work with individuals who we recognise require additional intervention to repair gaps in their social and emotional development. 

We have three liscenced practitioners at HCFS:

Mrs Ellen Summers

Mrs Anne Richardson

Mrs Sarah Dobson

Bonnie (School Dog Mentor)

Our Thrive practitioners are often in the classrooms, supporting children with their learning and enabling children to feel regaulated and ready to learn. They work with teachers and support staff to help them understand the children in their classes and their emotional needs. Furthermore, the practitioners lead repartive interventions in small groups and on a 1:1 basis as and when needed. Practitioners complete 'profiles' on children to identify their gaps and needs. An action plan is created which outlines tasks and strategies that can be used to repair broken connections. Find out more about how Thrive is helping our children by watching the video below.

You can contact the Thrive Team through the office via office@hcfs.org.uk 

We are always here to listen to your concerns and provide a helping hand!