A scheme to transform the mental health and wellbeing of children across Halton has cut school exclusion rates in its first year – and potentially saved millions of pounds in the long run.
The project – a partnership between Halton Borough Council and Thrive – involves the training of primary and secondary school educators as Thrive Licensed Practitioners so they can support the emotional wellbeing and resilience of children and young people in their schools.
Over 100 educators trained
During its first year 110 educators in 45 Halton schools have been trained as Thrive Licensed Practitioners, supporting more than 20,000 children and young people. This has resulted in 14 fewer school exclusions across Halton, potentially saving the local authority more than £170,000 in lifetime costs associated with each exclusion.
More than £300,0000 from the Department for Education’s Delivering Better Value (DBV) fund has been invested in the programme by Halton Borough Council.
Launching the second year of success
News of the programme’s year of success was shared with school leaders and teachers from across the borough at a conference at Halton Stadium in Wigan. The event launched the second year of the programme’s operation.
The impact of Thrive
National research from Thrive has revealed that schools which use the approach have 27% fewer exclusions compared to national averages, delivering a very significant saving for every child that's not excluded from school.
Absence rates are also better in Thrive schools than the national average, with absence rates dropping by 3% and severe absence rates by 15%.
"Thrive is more than a programme — it’s a movement."
Mike Stapleton-Chambers, Head of Service, DBV Delivering Better Value at Halton Borough Council, said: "Thrive is more than a programme — it’s a movement. And it is growing stronger every day.
“We believe the Thrive Approach is transformational. The fact that the majority of Halton schools are already taking up Thrive support and training shows that we have an authority-wide commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
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“We are ambitious for our children and young people. We want to do everything we can to support our schools to create the best possible environment for them to succeed. This partnership will continue to make a significant, positive difference.”
Michelle Poynton, a Thrive Practitioner and pastoral lead at Weston Point Primary Academy in Runcorn, shared her experiences of the programme at the event. She said: “My confidence in the effectiveness of Thrive was secured when I saw the results of an assessment completed for one of our children. It was so tailored to them. After a short time working with the Thrive Licensed Practitioner they are like a different child. They can see other points of view which they never could before. It has had a huge impact on their friendships too, and they are much happier in school.”
Thrive director Tom Preston said: “It's amazing to see the impact our partnership with Halton is now achieving for children and young people across the borough. The investment already means that more children and young people are attending school, and fewer are being excluded from mainstream education. It also means that children and young people are getting the right support, while teachers and support staff are equipped with the professional skills they need to make an even greater difference.”
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