Red Oak Primary School in Lowestoft is thrilled to announce that it has been recognised as a Thrive School of Excellence for its commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of its pupils. 

Supporting over 450 children aged 3 to 11 years, Red Oak has embraced the Thrive Approach to help address the social and emotional needs of its community, making a real difference in the lives of its young learners.

The school is situated in a community that experiences various social challenges, which can sometimes affect children’s early development and their ability to engage with learning. Understanding the importance of a supportive approach to enhance pupils' mental health and wellbeing, the school chose to implement the Thrive Approach. This method gives staff practical tools to understand and respond to the social and emotional needs of their pupils, helping them navigate these important aspects of development.

The Thrive Approach, developed in the UK by experts in social work, psychotherapy, and education, is a holistic framework that supports children’s emotional health and social skills. It helps educators understand children's needs and growth patterns, focusing on strong relationships and tailored support to empower children to express themselves and build resilience. 

The School of Excellence award is the highest level of achievement in Thrive’s Ambassador Schools scheme, which was launched in 2020 as a way of recognising excellence in member schools.

Since adopting the Thrive Approach, Red Oak Primary has seen attendance rates consistently rise above the national average, with no permanent exclusions over recent years. These improvements reflect the school’s commitment to creating a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive academically and socially. 

The school has also introduced the Family Thrive programme, a six-session course designed to help parents and carers understand and apply the Thrive Approach at home, encouraging a supportive atmosphere for learning both in school and at home.

Zeegan Warne, Deputy Headteacher at Red Oak, expressed her pride in the school’s progress, saying, "The difference Thrive has made to our school community is immense and has led to amazing results and outcomes for our children."

Lynsey Holzer, CEO of 91大神, shared her admiration for the school's efforts, saying, "I am really inspired by what Red Oak Primary School has accomplished as a Thrive School of Excellence. Their dedication to the wellbeing of every pupil not only enriches their lives but also strengthens our entire community. It's wonderful to see such innovative practices in action, setting an example for other schools to follow."

Anna Smee, managing director of Thrive, said: “Red Oak Primary is an extraordinary school which puts the wellbeing of pupils at the very centre of their work through their use of the Thrive Approach. This award is recognition of that amazing work.”

Thrive has been working in partnership with educators and organisations to help young people feel safe, supported and ready to learn since 1994. With its focus on building secure relationships and providing positive experiences, the Thrive Approach has been proven to improve behaviour, attendance and learning outcomes. Over 795,500 young lives have been positively impacted by the Thrive Approach.

As the school continues its journey with Thrive, staff and leaders remain committed to creating an environment where every child can flourish.