Barnham CEVC
Primary School
Embedding a consistent approach
to behaviour and wellbeing
Barnham CEVC Primary School is a warm, caring school where each child is valued for their uniqueness and individuality. By embedding the Thrive Approach across the school, the team has developed a shared approach to behaviour and wellbeing, helping staff understand children’s social and emotional development and respond consistently.
Thrive has strengthened relationships across the school community, supported children’s emotional development and helped staff make more informed decisions about pupil support.
The context
Barnham already had a strong ethos built around positive relationships, but Headteacher Amy Arnold identified that staff did not yet have a shared understanding of children’s social and emotional development.
Different approaches to managing behaviour were being used across the school, and the team wanted a clear framework that would support consistency for children, staff, families and governors.
- Location: Suffolk
- Pupils: 160 (ages 5–11)
- FSM: 15.1%
- Thrive introduced: 2021
Why Thrive?
Barnham chose Thrive because it aligned closely with the school’s relational and inclusive approach, as well as its vision to “inspire, cherish and believe in each person that they may flourish and fulfil their potential.”
Through research and conversations with Thrive, Barnham recognised that the Thrive Approach could provide a structured and holistic way to support children from Early Years through to Year 6.
The comprehensive training and ongoing supervision offered by Thrive helped confirm that it was the right fit for the school. It gave staff a shared framework for understanding behaviour, supporting emotional development and prioritising wellbeing across school life.
A SHARED APPROACH TO BEHAVIOUR
How Thrive was implemented
Before Thrive was rolled out, some staff had understandable concerns. There was a worry that the Approach might mean children were “getting away” with undesirable behaviour.
As training began and Thrive was modelled across the school, those concerns shifted. Staff began to see how the Approach supported clear boundaries, emotional understanding and consistent responses.
- Barnham started by training one Thrive Licensed Practitioner and has since invested in training another member of the team.
- All staff have received Thrive training, with professional development days used to deepen practice.
- Headteacher Amy Arnold has completed Thrive senior leader training.
- Staff regularly access Thrive webinars to continue building their knowledge.
- Thrive complements existing frameworks used in school, including Adverse Childhood Experiences and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
Thrive has helped us develop a shared understanding of children’s social and emotional development, and how this links to the behaviour we see in school.
Amy Arnold
Headteacher, Barnham CEVC Primary School
weaving wellbeing THROUGH SCHOOL LIFE
Creating consistency
Since embedding Thrive, staff feel empowered to prioritise children’s mental health and wellbeing across all areas of school life, from outdoor learning to calculating complex maths problems.
Positive relationships and emotional connections sit at the heart of the school. Initiatives such as “keeping in mind” conversations and daily meet-and-greets for children and families are woven through the school day.
Wellbeing-focused activities have also become part of everyday practice, from feeding the chickens to learning adventures on the farm.
Using Thrive-Online to inform decisions
Thrive-Online plays a key role in tracking children’s emotional development.
Every child at Barnham is assessed using Thrive-Online, and data is shared termly with governors. This helps provide a fuller picture of both emotional and academic progress.
The school also uses Thrive-Online assessments and plans as evidence in the Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment process, supporting EHCP applications and annual reviews.
STRONGER CONNECTIONS WITH FAMILIES
Working with families
Family Thrive has strengthened relationships between school and home.
Families have embraced the Approach, with each Family Thrive group setting up its own parent and carer network for ongoing support.
This has helped create a stronger shared understanding between staff and families, giving parents and carers practical ways to support their children’s emotional wellbeing beyond the school day.
CLEAR PROGRESS FOR CHILDREN
From separation anxiety to thriving in school
One Year 3 pupil’s experience shows the difference a consistent, relational approach can make.
The child initially struggled with separation anxiety and demand avoidance. They found it difficult to enter the school building and often became dysregulated.
Staff worked closely with the child and their parent to create a bespoke support plan. This included a soft start, an alternative entrance and small uniform adjustments.
As trust developed, the child no longer needed additional support and is now thriving in all areas.
When will I get to Thrive this week?
Pupil
Barnham CEVC Primary School
supporting academic and emotional development
Measuring success
Barnham has seen measurable success in both academic and emotional development.
Attendance has been ranked 38th out of 246 schools in Suffolk local authority, and academic outcomes in statutory assessments were above the national average.
Every class has dedicated Thrive Time each week, alongside specific group and individual Thrive sessions. Children actively look forward to these sessions, showing how embedded Thrive has become in school life.
thrive school of excellence
Recognition
Barnham has been named a Thrive School of Excellence, the highest level of achievement in Thrive’s Ambassador School scheme. The award recognises settings showcasing outstanding mental health and wellbeing support.
This is a journey we have worked passionately towards for many years, and to be recognised for our commitment to children’s emotional wellbeing is fantastic for our staff, pupils, parents, governors, and the wider community.
Amy Arnold
Headteacher, Barnham CEVC Primary School
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