Social & Emotional Support

Welcome

My name is Su Withers and I am a teacher, qualified and accredited BACP counsellor and Thrive practitioner. I work at Staplegrove Church School all day Monday and Tuesday morning. My role within the School is to support all children and staff with social and emotional wellbeing when needed through to specific individual 1:1 therapy, group work and training.

I often bring in my therapy dogs, Theo and Ivy. They are of great comfort to the children and sometimes assist me in therapy. I have been working with animals in therapy for 7 years now and have the relevant training to do so. In addition to dogs I have had chickens, rabbits and horses assist me.

Thrive.

What is it?

Thrive helps adults prepare children and young people for life's emotional ups and downs. Based on neuroscience and attachment research, it is a rigorous, targeted and measured approach. Thrive training shows adults how to be with, and what to do about, children's differing and sometimes challenging behaviour, to engage them with life and learning.

The Thrive Approach is a specific way of working with all children that helps to develop their social and emotional wellbeing, enabling them to engage with life and learning. It supports them in becoming more self-assured, capable and adaptable. It also provides a firm foundation for academic attainment.

You can find out more about Thrive by following this link:

How will a child be referred?

Children may be identified by a member of staff or by a class screen. You can also speak to your child's class teacher about the possibility of whether your child may benefit from Thrive by completing a referral form and handing it to your child's teacher. Children can also ask for support by posting a note in the post box in school.

If we agree your child is to access Thrive then you will be asked to provide signed consent.

You can contact me through your child's class teacher or by telephoning the school and leaving a message. I will get back to you.

Some useful websites:

https://www.bacp.co.uk/ The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.  Useful information on therapy and how to find an accredited counsellor in your area.

https://www.minded.org.uk/ a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults.

https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk Quality assured information, advice and resources to help primary schools understand and promote children’s mental health and wellbeing.

https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/ Confidential advice and support for those suffering with anxiety.

https://childbereavementuk.org/  Child Bereavement UK supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.