Viv Trask-Hall

Head of Product and Innovation, Thrive Approach

Viv’s passion for Thrive started as headteacher and executive headteacher of primary schools across Barnsley, first becoming a licensed practitioner, then a Thrive trainer. She introduced the approach into schools and saw first-hand the impact it has on behaviour, attendance, and attainment as well as mental health and wellbeing. Viv has taught across all age ranges and often in schools in challenging circumstances. Having specialised in early years and SEN, Viv was thrilled to take on leadership roles as SENCO, assistant head, deputy head and eventually into headship. Viv was asked to become a school improvement partner and to lead a school special measures, this included embedding Thrive as a core approach and tool to improve every area of practice. She was part of the team that established a co-operative trust and a multi academy trust. In 2015, Viv was thrilled to join the team, originally as regional development manager for the north before moving to become head of innovation and Thrive’s principal trainer, and now head of product and innovation. Currently, Viv is a director of a multi academy trust and a foster carer leading a Mockingbird constellation. Viv is endlessly passionate about supporting other professionals to embed Thrive practice.

1 Workshop series two

Supporting girls’ mental health in a digital age

At a time when girls are reporting increased pestering and pressure around sex, this workshop explores how we can harness deep listening, student voice and peer-to-peer cascade to support girl’s mental health – particularly around improving body image, self-esteem and personal boundaries. The workshop will share insights from GLF Academy Trust's two-year project to remove barriers between adults' understanding and the reality of children's lived experience, create practical resources that are for students by students, and determine how to equip young people to discuss sensitive issues with peers in a thoughtful, empathetic and responsible way. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the project rationale, scope, approach and intended outcomes. There will be an opportunity to contribute your experience to the collective thinking around this work and to consider how this approach could be replicated within your trust.

1 Workshop series two

Botheredness and belonging: A strategic approach to emotionally based school avoidance

Too many children and young people are not accessing the education they deserve, or the experience of belonging to a community, because of emotional barriers to school. There is no simple answer to this complex challenge, but trusts like The Howard Partnership Trust, are developing new strategies to address this over time through their culture and systems. In this workshop, Jonathan and Viv will draw upon their deep experience of working with children who avoid school for emotional reasons. They will consider how organisations can communicate that the adults are 'bothered', and how they can support children's ability to connect and feel a sense of belonging. They will also invite participants to share their experiences and insights into what's happening in this arena in their own trusts.