Who we are
What makes Thrive different?
Holistic Approach: Blending core academic learning with animal-assisted interaction and real-world experiences.
Therapeutic Environment: Calm spaces, small group sizes, and tailored support plans for emotional regulation.
Real-World Skills: Students learn through practice: cooking, growing food, handling and caring for small animals.
Sustainable & Practical Learning Focus
Gardening: Using raised beds, grow bags, or vertical planters.
Cooking and Nutrition: Students grow herbs and basic produce, plan meals, and prepare food.
Vocational Training: Practical skills leading to future employment or self-sufficiency.
Parent engagement in wellbeing and skill-building workshops.
Schedule your consultation today and discover tailored solutions that meet the unique educational needs of your child. Our experienced professionals are committed to providing personalized support and guidance on your journey.
Our Learning Spaces
At Thrive, every room is designed with care to support our learners’ emotional wellbeing, social growth, and academic progress. We’ve created calm, purposeful spaces where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to try their best. Each area of the school reflects The Thrive Code — encouraging kindness, respect, and positive engagement — while providing the structure and nurture that help every learner grow in confidence. Whether it’s a quiet moment in the sensory room, creative exploration in the art space, or teamwork in the classroom, our environment supports children to flourish in their own way.
Library
Sensory Room
Our library is a calm, welcoming space designed to nurture a love of reading in every learner. Soft seating, bright colours, and cosy corners create a comfortable environment where children can explore books at their own pace. The area includes a wide range of stories and picture books, encouraging curiosity, imagination, and relaxation. It’s also used for quiet reading time, storytelling sessions, and small group literacy work.
Our sensory room is a peaceful, low-lit space where children can relax, self-regulate, and take a break from the busyness of the day. Soft cushions, gentle lighting, and tactile resources create a soothing environment that helps learners feel safe and grounded. This space encourages children to practise Valuing yourself — taking time to understand and care for their emotions — and supports Engaging positively by helping them return to learning feeling calm and ready.
Early Years Classroom
Our Early Years classroom is a bright, open space that supports exploration, creativity, and early learning. With bi-fold doors opening directly onto the outdoor area, children enjoy a smooth flow between indoor and outdoor play — encouraging curiosity and independence through continuous provision. The environment promotes Trying your best by giving learners the freedom to explore at their own pace while building early communication, social, and problem-solving skills.
Play Room
Key Stage 2 Classroom
The Play Room is filled with opportunities for imaginative and hands-on learning. With dress-up costumes, construction toys, and small-world play, children can express themselves, experiment with ideas, and develop cooperation skills in a relaxed, supportive setting. This room celebrates Helping others and Engaging positively — encouraging children to share, collaborate, and build confidence through play.
Our KS2 classroom is a calm and structured space where older pupils can focus on developing their academic skills while building independence and resilience. The layout encourages both group collaboration and individual learning, supported by visual resources and clear routines. Learners are encouraged to take ownership of their progress, showing perseverance and pride in their achievements. This room reflects Trying your best and Respecting others — fostering teamwork, focus, and a sense of shared purpose in learning.
Secondary Study Room
Our Secondary Study Room provides a calm, focused environment where older learners can engage in independent study, small group work, and structured lessons. The clean, uncluttered layout and natural light help students concentrate and feel at ease. This space encourages learners to Inspire others through positive attitudes and effort, and to Value themselves by taking pride in their progress and achievements. It’s a place for purposeful learning and personal growth.
Art Room
Computer Room
Our Art Room is a bright and inspiring space where learners can explore their creativity and express themselves through a range of materials and techniques. With plenty of natural light and calm surroundings, it offers a peaceful environment for focused, mindful art-making. This room reflects Inspiring attitude and Valuing yourself, encouraging children to build confidence, celebrate their individuality, and take pride in their creative achievements.
Our Computer Room is a focused, engaging space where learners can build digital skills in a calm and structured environment. The room supports both creative and academic learning — from coding and research to developing typing and online safety skills. Pupils are encouraged to use technology responsibly and with confidence, reflecting Trying your best and Engaging positively. This space helps children prepare for the modern world while exploring technology in a safe, supported way.
Chill Out Room
The Chill Out Room is a calm, comfortable space designed to help learners relax and recharge when they need a break. Soft cushions, blankets, and gentle lighting create a safe, nurturing atmosphere where children can take time to breathe, reflect, or talk with a trusted adult. This room supports Valuing yourself by encouraging learners to recognise their emotions and use positive strategies to self-regulate, helping them return to learning feeling calm and ready.
Talking Room
Our Talking Room is a calm, nurturing space designed for one-to-one or small-group conversations. Surrounded by plants and natural light, it provides a safe environment where learners can share their thoughts, reflect on their feelings, and build trust with staff. This room supports Helping others and Respecting others by encouraging empathy, understanding, and positive communication — helping learners grow emotionally as well as academically.
Outdoor Area
Our outdoor area is an evolving space that will soon become Thrive’s dedicated playground — a place for movement, play, and connection. Even now, the area provides opportunities for fresh air and outdoor activities, supporting learners’ physical and emotional wellbeing. In the summer, we’ll be growing our own vegetables in pots, giving children the chance to learn about nature, responsibility, and healthy living through hands-on experiences. As it develops, it will become a vibrant space for games, group challenges, and sensory exploration. The playground will reflect Engaging positively and Inspiring attitude — encouraging children to work together, stay active, and enjoy being part of the Thrive community.
Further Information
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Thrive is registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC), operating with a not-for-profit ethos that ensures all surplus is reinvested into learner development, staff training, and community benefit.
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Thrive is overseen by three directors, each with distinct responsibilities:
Joanne Henshaw – Safeguarding, Staffing and HR
Michelle Ward-Jones – Quality of Education
Annemarie McNally - Legal and Compliance
This leadership structure ensures clear lines of accountability and consistent quality assurance across all areas of provision.
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Teaching Staff: Delivering core academic subjects, vocational training, and therapeutic curriculum content.
Support Staff: Teaching Assistants, behaviour mentors, mental health support, and admin roles.
Specialists & External Professionals: Commissioned as needed to support EHCP delivery and targeted interventions.
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Small Group Teaching: 6–8 learners per class for focused, trauma-informed teaching
Therapeutic Integration: Emotional regulation, sensory input, physical activity, and life skills embedded into each learner’s plan
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Indoor classrooms, kitchen and sensory space.
Outdoor area for play, container or raised-bed gardening and discovery.
Calm, structured, flexible environment designed for neurodiverse learners
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Students
Monday–Friday: 09:00–14:30
Mornings: Academic subjects
Lunch: Healthy, with opportunities for students to contribute to growing ingredients indoors or in small garden spaces
Afternoons: Therapeutic and vocational sessions
Staff
Monday-Thursday: 08:30 – 16:30
Friday: 08:30 – 16:00
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Curriculum
The Thrive curriculum is designed to re-engage learners through hands-on, practical, and creative experiences that make learning meaningful again.
Core Subjects
· Literacy: Focused reading, phonics, writing, and communication skills.
· Numeracy: Practical maths designed to build confidence and problem-solving skills.
Personal Development
· PSHE and life skills sessions that encourage self-awareness and emotional literacy.
· Social skills to develop empathy, cooperation, and confidence.
· Health and fitness sessions movement-based activities in our outside area.
Creative and Therapeutic Learning
· Art, design, music, and sensory activities are embedded in our weekly timetable to help children express themselves and relax through creativity.
· Our curriculum is flexible, adaptive, and responsive — ensuring each child is learning in a way that feels safe, achievable, and rewarding.
Contact us
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