The Thrive Approach was founded in 1994 and is based on established neuroscience, attachment theory and child development. This approach was recognised and recommended by the Department For Education in their report on ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing Provision in Schools’ in October 2018. By this date, Oak Tree Primary School already had three, fully trained, dedicated, Thrive Practitioners and all staff had received INSET Training. This training continues on a termly basis and our Thrive Practitioners continue to increase.
Currently, (February 2024) we have 4 Thrive practitioners delivering targeted interventions to children who may need extra support or are struggling with a variety of challenges whether that be with emotional regulation, friendship problems or their worries.
Mrs Howland
Hi, I am a Thrive practitioner and have worked at Oak Tree Primary School for almost 6 years. I really enjoy my work at the school delivering Thrive to vulnerable children who may have emotional challenges and require extra support. This allows me the opportunity to put in a lot of my own artistic skills and knowledge and help children express themselves through art and writing stories. Outside of school I have recently started up a small business as an artist, completing several commissions for customers, and producing pastel drawing of peoples pets to which I have now begun to expand, working with my husband who is a photographer, and drawing children's portraits. I have always enjoyed art from around the age of seven, and when i reached adulthood I studied for an Illustration degree at The University of Brighton. I graduated and produced some work for a small multicultural children's book publisher. I hope someday to write and illustrate my own children's book. I believe art is a very beneficial way to explore our feelings and put them onto paper, whatever comes into our mind. I have really enjoyed teaching children how to draw, and ways they can build up their confidence and self esteem.
Mr Piercy
Hi, my name is Mr Piercy. I've been working at Oak Tree School for five years as a TA and have been a qualified Thrive practitioner for around three years. Before that, I used to be a volunteer at the school on my rota days off from work as a Telecoms Engineer and a part time Guitar Tutor for the Adult Education service. I've been playing the guitar for forty years, thirty five of them performing in various bands, mostly in clubs and pubs.
Mrs Mileham
I have been involved with the Oak Tree community for over 25 years, firstly as a parent and then later as a grandparent, working in the schools original Breakfast club as part of the Manor Child Care team and later becoming a school cleaner. During this time I was also working at Platform 3 Pre-school for 21 years as a Deputy Manager, SENDco and Designated Safeguarding Lead. In 2011 Platform 3 were invited to join Oak Tree School to provide Early Years Education within the school under the name Platform 3 at Oak Tree. In 2018 I joined the school to become a Teaching Assistant and by 2019 I began my training to become a Qualified Thrive Practitioner. I enjoy my role supporting children’s social and emotional development and helping them to become successful learners. I have 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 cats. I enjoy various craft’s including; crochet, paper craft, scrapbooking and diamond painting but will give most crafts ago, I also enjoy going to the theatre.
Miss Howland
Hello, I’m Miss Hambleton, I have been working at Oak Tree Primary School for 1 year and 6 months. I am also part of the Thrive lead team at Oak Tree Primary, I have successfully completed the Thrive course and am now a qualified Thrive Practitioner. I deliver Thrive sessions to our children who benefit from it the most. It is the most enjoyable and rewarding time with the children and I have formed some lovely bonds with the children I’ve worked with.
