At Dallimore, we recognise that behaviour is a form of communication. Children are not always able to express their thoughts, feelings or needs through words, and their behaviour can often provide important insights into how they are experiencing the world around them.

The Thrive Approach enables us to better understand and support children's social and emotional development. Drawing on research in neuroscience, attachment, child development and effective learning, Thrive helps staff identify the needs that may be underlying a child's behaviour and respond in a supportive and developmentally appropriate way.

Using this understanding, we can provide targeted strategies, activities and support that help children build emotional resilience, develop positive relationships and engage successfully with school life and learning. Through Thrive, we aim to ensure that every child feels safe, valued, understood and ready to flourish.

Every child experiences challenges at times, and while many are supported through the care of family, friends and school staff, some children benefit from additional help. Through our nurturing ethos and Thrive approach, we provide targeted support to help children develop resilience, emotional wellbeing and the confidence to thrive both in school and beyond.

Children who may benefit from additional support are identified through our whole-school screening process, observations by staff, discussions with families or information shared by external agencies. Children may need support for a range of reasons, including significant life events, medical needs or emotional difficulties, although there is not always a clear reason why a child may be struggling.

Working closely with families and class teachers, our Thrive team assesses each child's social and emotional needs and develops a personalised Thrive Action Plan. This enables us to provide targeted support that helps children build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

Children may be referred for Thrive support following discussion with school staff and parents where appropriate. Our trained Thrive Practitioners assess each child's needs and plan tailored activities designed to help them develop emotionally and socially. Activities are matched to individual interests and strengths and may include art, construction, games, role-play, cooking and other creative or play-based experiences.

Thrive Practitioners work closely with class teachers and the Headteacher to identify priorities for support and agree personalised targets. Regular review meetings take place to monitor progress, celebrate successes and ensure that support continues to meet each child's needs. Where appropriate, families are involved in supporting their child's Thrive journey both at school and at home.

Thrive support is available to all children at Dallimore. Many aspects of school life, including classroom activities, Forest School, sport and creative experiences, are delivered using Thrive principles, helping all children develop their social and emotional wellbeing.

When a child needs additional support, they may take part in small-group or one-to-one Thrive sessions led by our licensed Thrive practitioners. Families are always kept informed, and we work closely with parents and carers to ensure support is tailored to each child's individual needs.

At Dallimore, Thrive is much more than a targeted intervention; it is a whole-school approach that shapes our ethos and daily practice. We believe that children thrive when they feel safe, valued, understood and connected to those around them.

Thrive principles influence all aspects of school life, from classroom learning to our work with families and the wider community. We take pride in getting to know every child as an individual, celebrating all achievements, not just academic success, and creating a strong sense of belonging. By recognising and nurturing each child's strengths, interests and talents, we help every child develop the confidence and resilience they need to succeed.