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Whyteleafe Primary School in Surrey is one of forty two schools that make up the growing multi-academy trust, GLF Schools. Whyteleafe supports over 450 pupils aged 4 to 11 and aims to ensure every learner leaves the school ‘literate and numerate, with a love of learning and excellent social skills’.
Faced with a rising number of children struggling with their mental health, Whyteleafe’s pastoral and Thrive lead, Heather Faulkner, booked a place on Thrive’s DfE-funded Senior Mental Health Lead training.
‘Thrive was the obvious choice’
Whyteleafe introduced Thrive in 2017 with Helen training as a Thrive Licensed Practitioner in the same year. Having embedded the Thrive Approach throughout the school and knowing the difference it can make, Helen said Thrive was ‘the obvious choice’ when it came to booking Senior Mental Health Lead training.
As part of the government’s commitment to offer the training to all eligible school and colleges in England by 2025, Helen was able to claim a £1,200 grant from the Department for Education to cover the cost of her course. Plus, the school had £400 of funding left over to spend as they wish.
“The children realise that all staff are there for them”
Building on her knowledge from previous Thrive training, Helen said the Senior Mental Health Lead course has equipped her to support the children in a 'more positive and professional manner’.
Working alongside the senior leadership team, Helen has been able to help with providing training to all staff so that everyone has an understanding of the support the school offers and how to effectively respond to behaviour. "This has helped everyone to understand behaviour, and support it appropriately", she explained. The improvements haven't gone unnoticed by pupils either, “the children realise that all staff are there for them and understand they are being supported”, Helen added.
Reflecting on her training, Helen said, “Whether you’re a Thrive practitioner or not, the Thrive Senior Mental Health Lead training was highly informative”.
Join the 15,000+ schools tapping into funded training
If you’ve been inspired by Helen’s story, and are ready to start or enhance your whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing, book your place on Thrive training today.
You're highly likely to be accepted for DfE funding if you’re a state school or college in England that hasn’t already accessed the grant, and you have a commitment from the senior leadership team to develop a whole school approach. (Second grants are also available if the person you previously trained has left your setting.)
Learn more and apply for funding
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