A Kidderminster school has received a national award for its commitment to the emotional wellbeing of its students.

Sutton Park Primary School is the winner of the School of Excellence Award from Thrive, an organisation that equips education professionals to bolster the social and emotional growth of children and young people.

The award, the organisation's highest accolade, is granted to schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to implementing the 'Thrive Approach'.

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The scheme underpins the understanding of young people's behaviour, encourages positive relationships, remove barriers to learning and foster better attendance, behaviour, and achievement.

The award follows a meticulous assessment procedure, which involved the school submitting comprehensive evidence and impact forms.

Representatives also visited the school to observe the approach of the school's staff.

The school brought in Thrive's approach in an effort to reduce in-class disruptions from behavioural incidents and to inform children about the impact brain science has on behaviours.

The current focus is identifying students who need additional support with their social and emotional development.

Staff have reported a reduction in incidents related to children not being able to regulate their emotions.

Danielle Duignan, SENDCo and teacher, said: "It is an honour to be recognised for all of the hard work our school community has done.

"The school is a totally different place to where we started.

"It has been amazing to see the changes in the children and how effective the approaches have been.

"The school culture is deeply rooted in care and empathy all of which is a result of the understanding that all behaviour is the communication of unmet needs."

She added: "I would say without questions, it has been the most effective CPD I have ever had and the one which has made the most difference to the lives of the children and families in our community."

Anna Smee, managing director of Thrive, noted the commendable work at the school, saying: "Sutton Park Primary is an extraordinary school which puts the wellbeing of pupils at the very centre of their work through their use of the Thrive Approach.

"This award is recognition of that amazing work."

Since 1994, Thrive has worked in tandem with educators and organisations in efforts to help young people feel secure, supported, and ready to learn.

To date, they have positively impacted over 795,500 young lives.