Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health

At Mayfield, we offer key programs to support our students’ mental health and emotional development. Whether through one-to-one emotional support, group-based wellbeing activities, or calm, sensory-led morning routines, each initiative is designed to nurture resilience, emotional literacy, and self-regulation.

The Thrive Approach at Mayfield School

THRIVE supports children with their emotional health, wellbeing, and social skills, all of which are essential foundations for learning and personal growth. The Thrive Approach draws on the latest research in neuroscience, attachment theory, child development, and effective learning to help us understand and respond to the needs that underpin children’s behaviour.

Here at Mayfield, we are proud to have three fully licensed Thrive Practitioners who provide support to pupils across the whole school, from early years through to adolescence. In addition to one-to-one sessions, our practitioners also deliver staff training, targeted interventions, and the Thrive for Parents course, ensuring that our approach extends beyond the classroom to benefit families too.

We’re also thrilled to share that Mayfield School has been awarded the Thrive Ambassador School Award with Excellence in Environment, the highest level of achievement in the Thrive Ambassador Schools Programme. This award recognises schools that have achieved Ambassador status in all five areas and have fully embedded the Thrive Approach across their practice.

This achievement reflects the care, creativity, and commitment that make Mayfield such a calm, inclusive, and nurturing place to learn. From our sensory garden, forest area, and memorial space, to our tranquil classrooms with soft lighting, music, and visual supports, every part of our environment is designed to help pupils feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.

Our dedicated staff team continues to ensure that every child’s voice is heard and valued through low-arousal classrooms, Zones of Regulation boards, and augmented communication tools, empowering pupils to express themselves and make choices about where they feel most comfortable.

Together, we are creating a school where every pupil can truly Thrive.

ELSA: Emotional Literacy in Action

At Mayfield School, we recognise that emotional well-being is a vital part of every child’s development. Our dedicated Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) provides a safe, nurturing environment where students can explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and build the confidence to manage life’s challenges. 

Through a combination of one-to-one and small-group sessions, pupils are supported in understanding and expressing their emotions, forming positive friendships, and navigating experiences such as bereavement, family change, and anxiety. Each session is tailored to the individual needs of the child, using creative and therapeutic approaches to foster resilience, self-esteem, and healthy social interaction. 

With compassion and professional expertise, our ELSA ensures that every child feels heard, valued, and supported, helping them to grow emotionally and thrive both in school and beyond. 

Mindful Morning Sessions 

To support our students’ wellbeing and emotional regulation, we offer a Mindful Morning session at the start of each day. Held in our immersive theatre, this session creates a calm, sensory-rich environment designed to soothe and centre the mind. It includes guided breathing exercises, relaxing music, and soothing visuals to help pupils start their day with a sense of calm. 

The Mindful Morning is especially beneficial for students who may feel dysregulated upon arrival, providing them with a gentle, supportive transition into the school day. By setting a positive and peaceful tone from the very beginning, this session helps students focus and engage in their learning with confidence.