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In February 2025, Amy Trice, Pastoral Lead and Cover Supervisor at Southwater Infant Academy, began her journey on the Thrive Wellbeing Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.
Already a HLTA and newly appointed to her pastoral role, Amy saw the programme as the natural next step in her professional development. “It was the next step in my career to enhance my knowledge in this key area of my role,” she explained. “I was especially keen to become a Thrive Licensed Practitioner, so I was really hopeful I’d be accepted onto the apprenticeship.”
Embedding reflective practice
Just a few months into the programme, Amy has already seen the impact of applying her learning. A key takeaway has been the importance of reflective practice.
“The first three modules helped me to really understand the need for reflective practice and how important it is for professional development,” she said. “Reflecting on my practice, particularly after managing incidents of distressed behaviour, has helped me to think more clearly about what went well and what I could do differently next time.”
Reframing behaviour
Amy has found that understanding the theory behind the Thrive Approach, especially the link between trauma and behaviour, has helped her to see things in a new light.
“I’ve gained so much from delving into child development and how children learn,” she said. “Knowing that behaviour is a communication of unmet need has made me look at things in a completely different way.”
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This shift in perspective has already improved the way Amy supports children at her setting. “I’ve implemented the Thrive Approach when supporting children who are showing distressed behaviour. It’s helped me to reflect, adapt my approach and provide more meaningful support.”
Balancing learning with school life
While Amy is enjoying the programme, balancing studying with a busy school role hasn’t always been easy.
“It can be tricky to find the time to complete apprenticeship work because my role involves responding to children whenever they’re distressed,” she explained. “But now that I’ve settled into a routine, it’s getting easier. I have a really positive relationship with my tutor and know I can contact them anytime for help and support, which is so reassuring.”
Impact across the whole school
Amy’s learning is not only benefiting her pupils, but her colleagues too.
“The strategies I’ve learnt have been invaluable, not just for me, but for the staff I’ve shared them with too,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to know I can support others and help to embed Thrive more widely across our setting.”
The apprenticeship has also boosted Amy’s confidence. “I’m much more confident supporting children when they become distressed. I now know that being a calm, positive role model can help children regulate and feel safe.”
Personal growth and future aspirations
Amy's development hasn't been limited to the classroom, she's experienced personal growth too.
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“This apprenticeship has had such a positive impact on me personally,” she reflected. “It’s helped me feel more confident in challenging situations and reminded me of how rewarding it is to be that steady, supportive presence for children.”
She also sees long-term professional benefits. “Becoming a Thrive Licensed Practitioner and Specialist Teaching Assistant will be an invaluable addition to my qualifications. It’s already supporting me in my new role and will continue to do so in the future.”
A message to others considering the apprenticeship
For anyone unsure about whether to apply for the Thrive Wellbeing Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, Amy has clear advice:
“I would absolutely encourage others to take on this apprenticeship. It’s already having such a positive impact, not just on me, but on the children and colleagues I work with every day.”
Over to you
If you’re keen to learn more about Thrive apprenticeships, click below to read FAQs, download course guides for employers, and apply before the deadline.
Explore Thrive apprenticeships
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