We want our pupils to flourish and achieve their greatest potential at St Peter’s Primary School in all aspects of their lives: intellectually, morally, socially, and emotionally. Our school takes the wellbeing of our children very seriously and through our mission “unlocking the potential in everyone” we encourage a culture that upholds respect, compassion, nurture and understanding.

We take a whole school approach to wellbeing that encourages children to build emotional resilience and helps them to understand the importance of looking after their own mental health, as they face the various challenges that modern life presents.

We deliver this whole school approach using the i-Thrive model, Thrive Approach and Jigsaw PSHE programme.

Further information can be found here:

i-Thrive: http://implementingthrive.org/

Thrive Approach: https://www.thriveapproach.com/

Jigsaw: https://jigsawpshe.com/

Some useful other organisations who may be able to provide further information and support:

Young Minds: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

Place2Be: https://www.place2be.org.uk/

Anna Freud: https://www.annafreud.org/

Thought-Full (West Sussex): https://schools.westsussex.gov.uk/Services/6073

i-Thrive Framework

We follow the i-Thrive framework to ensure support for children is targeted:

At St Peter’s we have a three-tiered graduated approach to support children’s mental health and wellbeing.

Tier 1 Support

The majority of children flourish under our tier 1 provision. This includes class discussions, assemblies, Jigsaw (PSHE) lessons and following the whole school Thrive Approach as outlined in our behaviour policy.

We have three licenced Thrive practitioners (Mrs McNamara, Miss Foster, and Mrs Allen) and all staff are trained in the key concepts of the thrive approach. This enables staff to develop key relationships and helps children recognise, understand, and manage their emotions.

Class teacher’s complete class Thrive assessments once a term to help identify those children that may require additional support. For those pupils who need extra support guidance can also be sought from the Inclusion and Pastoral team by the class teacher and parents.

Tier 2 Support

Thrive Approach support

We adopted the Thrive approach at St Peter’s in 2020. Underpinned in neuroscience, child development theory, attachment theory and creative play the Thrive approach is centre to our school relationships and behaviour policy.

Once children have been identified as needing extra support via the class assessment, licensed Thrive practitioners (Miss Foster, Mrs McNamara and Mrs Allen) and trained teaching assistants deliver group and 1 to 1 sessions and assess individual needs. ​​

Sometimes an Adverse Childhood Event (ACE) or “bump in the road” occurs and we provide SOS support to children. This means we work with them temporarily to help them manage their immediate need. ​

​Mrs Allen, our mental health lead also provides parental support every Monday to support with behaviour, emotional wellbeing and worries at home.   Parents can book a Monday telephone conversation via the school office to explore this support.​

​Thrive support is based in the Hub at the end of the playground. 

Tier 3 Support

Sometimes, children may need a more tailored approach to meet their needs. Where appropriate, the SENCo will refer to outside agencies or seek the support of the educational psychologist who works with our school to offer them further support.

Please talk to your child’s class teacher in the first instance if you have any concerns about your child’s mental health or well-being.