At Chilton Primary School, the Thrive Approach is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to have been awarded Thrive Ambassador Status in Leadership—a reflection of our commitment to nurturing the social and emotional development of every child.

Thrive helps children understand their feelings, build resilience, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. It supports emotional wellbeing by creating a safe, supportive environment where children feel valued, confident, and ready to learn. The approach also encourages curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning, while helping pupils to manage their own emotions and empathise with others.

Thrive has had a positive impact across our school, from boosting self-esteem and emotional literacy to improving attendance and engagement.

Please see below for more about our Thrive initiatives at Chilton Primary School.

 

Thrive in the Classroom

At Chilton Primary School, Thrive is fully embedded into our everyday classroom practice. Every class uses Thrive-informed strategies to support children’s emotional wellbeing alongside their academic progress.
Teachers carry out regular assessments and observations to understand the social and emotional needs of each pupil. Using this insight, they adapt their teaching approaches and classroom environments to ensure children receive the right support at the right time. This might include specific Thrive activities, guided conversations, or targeted interventions that help children regulate their emotions, build resilience, and develop positive relationships.
As part of our inclusive classroom offer, children also have access to flexible seating options, allowing them to learn in a way that supports their individual needs and comfort.
By weaving Thrive into our daily routines and learning environment, we create a consistent, nurturing atmosphere where every child feels safe, valued, and ready to thrive.

 

Thrive Play

At Chilton Primary School, play is a central part of our Thrive Approach and is embedded throughout the school day—including during playtimes and lunchtimes. These unstructured times are thoughtfully designed to reflect Thrive principles, supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, social development, and sense of belonging.
Children are able to free-flow across the school grounds, providing opportunities for all age groups to play and connect with one another. This inclusive approach encourages our youngest and oldest pupils to build relationships, learn from each other, and develop empathy and cooperation.
We offer a wide range of engaging and enriching activities, including access to forest school, sand pits, small world play, and other sensory and creative experiences. These carefully chosen resources support emotional expression, imagination, and confidence, while giving children the freedom to explore in a safe and supportive environment.
Through Thrive-informed play, we help children build resilience, develop positive social skills, and feel safe, valued, and connected within our school community.

 

Chilton Thrive Ambassadors

Across Years 5 and 6, we are proud to have our Chilton Thrive Ambassadors, a group of students who actively promote the Thrive Approach and the core values of our school. As role models, they take on important responsibilities, supporting their peers during playtimes and lunchtimes.
The Thrive Ambassadors help foster positive relationships by offering friendship support, suggesting play ideas, and ensuring that all children feel included and valued. By stepping into these leadership roles, they not only contribute to a positive school environment but also strengthen their own social and emotional skills, while encouraging others to do the same.
Their dedication to promoting wellbeing and inclusivity is an integral part of creating a safe and supportive school community where every child can thrive.