Shine (East Norfolk)

Alpha Centre

Alpha Road

Gorleston

Norfolk

NR31 0LG

01493 661 000 info@shine-gy.org.uk

Your support helps us make a real difference.

Shine - supporting children & young people with additional needs and their families

The Thrive Approach

At Shine, we use The Thrive Approach to help every child feel secure, understood and ready to learn. Thrive is a practical, relationship-based way of supporting children’s social and emotional development, giving them the strong foundations they need for confidence, resilience and lifelong learning.

Thrive recognises that all behaviour is communication. When a child shows big feelings or challenging behaviour, they’re telling us there is something they need. By understanding these needs and responding in the right way, we help children feel safe, settled, connected — and able to thrive.

How Thrive supports our children

Our licensed Thrive Practitioner works with staff across the whole setting to create an environment where every child can grow emotionally and socially.

Support can take the form of 1–1 sessions, small-group work, whole-group activities and woven into daily routines, all designed to help children:

Build strong, trusting relationships

Understand and express emotions

Develop self-regulation skills

Grow in confidence, curiosity and creativity

Feel safe, secure and ready to learn

Thrive benefits children of all ages and is especially helpful during key transitions or times of emotional distress.

Why Thrive matters

Healthy relationships are at the heart of the Thrive Approach.

In early childhood (and again in adolescence), the brain is rapidly developing - wiring and rewiring based on experiences and relationships. Supportive adults play a crucial role in teaching children:

How to understand feelings

How to navigate challenges

How to build resilience for the future

Thrive gives us the tools to respond in ways that promote emotional wellbeing, connection and long-term confidence.

Meet Beth

Hello - my name is Beth and I'm one of the Licensed Thrive Practitioners here at Shine.

I have been working at Shine since 2019, and it is now my privilege to help each and every child and young person here to progress and 'thrive' with their social and emotional development. The Thrive Approach involves individual and group assessments, action plans and fun, interactive group and 1:1 interventions designed to boost confidence and foster trusting, reciprocal relationships.

I have an Honors Degree in Health and Social Care and am currently working to achieve my Level 3 Early Years certificate. In my spare time I love to read, craft, and get involved with anything musical - you can usually find me at the theatre or performing in a range of instrumental groups!

Want to Learn More?

We regularly offer workshops for parents and carers, giving you practical strategies to support your child at home and opportunities to connect with other families.

For more information or to learn more about Thrive please email Beth or visit www.thriveapproach.com.

Email Beth Discover Thrive

What we do at Shine

Our Thrive Practitioner, Beth, uses the Thrive Online Tool to assess the social and emotional needs of the whole group and individual children. This helps us create personalised action plans filled with nurturing, purposeful activities.

These may include:

Singing, storytelling and music

Sensory and messy play

Arts and crafts

Emotions-work, mirrors & role play

Safe spaces and quiet areas

Movement and outdoor exploration

Activities that build connection and communication

Vital Relational Functions (VRFs)

These are the core ways we support children through difficult emotions:

Attune – Noticing and matching the child’s feeling

Validate – Acknowledging the feeling while setting safe boundaries

Contain – Helping the child feel held and supported

Regulate – Calming together so the child can return to feeling safe

These VRFs are at the heart of how our team responds to children every day.

Reach Out Anytime

We’re here to help. Whether you’re a parent, carer, professional or member of the community, we’d love to hear from you.

Shine (East Norfolk)

Alpha Centre

Alpha Road

Gorleston

Norfolk

NR31 0LG

01493 661 000 info@shine-gy.org.uk

Your support helps us make a real difference.

Company Registration Number: 5405276. Charity Number: 1111097.

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