At Fountains High School, we are committed to supporting every young person’s social, emotional and mental wellbeing so they can thrive both in school and in life. One of the key ways we do this is through the Thrive Approach—a structured, nurturing programme designed to help children and young people understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships and develop the skills they need to learn and grow. Fountains High School has been awarded as a Thrive School of Excellence.

What is the Thrive Approach?

The Thrive Approach is a nationally recognised, evidence‑based framework that helps staff understand the emotional needs of pupils and respond in ways that support their development. It is centred around building strong, trusting relationships and offering children experiences that help them feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

How We Use Thrive at Fountains High School

Across the school, Thrive is integrated into daily practice. This includes:

• Targeted activities and strategies to support pupils' emotional regulation, resilience and confidence.
• Safe, nurturing environments where pupils can express themselves and process feelings in healthy ways.
• Thrive‑trained staff who use consistent language, routines and approaches to support pupils’ wellbeing throughout the school day.

Why Thrive Matters

Many of our pupils have additional needs or may face challenges that impact their emotional development. By using the Thrive Approach, we ensure:

• Pupils feel secure, valued and understood.
• Staff can respond proactively rather than reactively.
• Barriers to learning are reduced because pupils are emotionally ready to engage.
• Positive behaviour, communication and independence are strengthened over time.

Our Commitment to Wellbeing

At Fountains High School, we believe that emotional wellbeing is central to learning. Thrive helps us create a school community where every young person can build the confidence, resilience and self‑awareness they need to flourish.