Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. (World Health Organisation)

At Blakedown CE Primary School we use a program called ‘Thrive’.  Thrive helps staff prepare young people for life’s emotional ups and downs in partnership with parents, carers, families and other agencies.  The Thrive Approach goes on in all lessons and throughout the school day.  Our children learn resilience in the challenges they face and with support, they are continually gaining many social and emotional skills that complement the academic progress they make.

The approach gives guidance on how to be, and what to do, with children’s differing behaviour.  As a result, children become more self-assured and ready to engage in life and learning.

Based on neuroscience and attachment research, Thrive also provides a targeted intervention.  All practice is underpinned by Thrive-Online, an assessment tool and extensive action planning resource that charts progress and measures outcomes.

JOY      SERVE     ACHIEVE

This approach supports our school vision, rooted in Psalms 139:14:

'I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made'

derived from the fact that we are all unique and made in God's image with individual talents and dreams.

Please click in the Thrive Approach tab for additional Thrive information and support. 

In addition to the Thrive Approach, we aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our staff and pupil body. We pursue this aim using universal (whole school approaches), targeted and specialised approaches supported by the emotional health and well-being pathway. 

By promoting positive mental health and well-being, we aim to recognise and respond to need as it arises. By developing and implementing practical, relevant and effective mental health and well-being policies and procedures, we can promote a safe and stable environment for pupils affected both directly, and indirectly by mental health and well-being issues.  If you are concerned about your child's mental health and well-being or are struggling with behaviours linked to emotions, please look at the suggestions for activities, support and websites on the tabs on the 'continue reading' panel.

BESTIE Local Mental Health Services App

The BBC have launched a great new website called “Tiny Happy People”. It has lots of nice advice and videos for parents on how to support communication skills in young children. Click on the link below to access the website:

Tiny Happy People