Newington Primary School Launches Student Wellbeing Ambassador Programme in Ramsgate
A dedicated team of pupils at Newington Community Primary School in Ramsgate is set to enhance the emotional and social wellbeing of their peers through a new ambassador initiative. The school has chosen 12 students from Year 6 to serve as Thrive Ambassadors, part of its ongoing Thrive programme, which aims to foster a culture of kindness, understanding, and inclusion among children.
Selection and Training Process for Young Ambassadors
Following a special assembly led by Suzanne Legge, Assistant Head Teacher and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, 88 children volunteered for the ambassador roles. The selected group is currently enrolled in a four-week bespoke training course provided by Kent’s Specialist Teacher and Learning Services (STLS). Criteria for the role include being a good friend, demonstrating patience, listening skills, a desire to help others, commitment, and responsibility.
Mrs Legge explained, “Our Autism and Thrive Champion Judy Berryman is attending the training with the children and will oversee and monitor the ambassadors. After the training, weekly meetings will be held to discuss their progress and share successes.”
Focus on Emotional and Behavioural Support
The training curriculum emphasises understanding the brain’s simplified model and its impact on behaviour, teaching children how to manage moments of emotional overwhelm, often referred to as ‘flipping our lid’. It also introduces the PACE approach—playfulness, acceptance, curiosity, and empathy—to build relational skills and support peers effectively.
Mrs Legge added, “This training helps children learn how to support themselves and others, fully understanding their Thrive roles.”
Recognition and Future Expansion of the Programme
Upon completing their training, ambassadors will receive a rainbow lanyard and a certificate. The school plans to extend the programme by offering training to Year 5 pupils in terms 5 and 6, ensuring continuity into the next academic year with new ambassadors selected annually.
To support the initiative, the school is developing a Thrive garden in a designated playground area, intended as a hub for ambassador activities. Funding is being sought from the local Ramsgate Community group for resources like planters, a gazebo, seating, games, and craft materials.
School-Wide Commitment to Wellbeing and Accreditation Goals
Ambassadors will always be supervised by an adult, with any concerns shared with relevant staff for timely interventions. Newington is actively working towards the Thrive Centre of Excellence for Environment accreditation, led by Mrs Legge.
Hannah Tudor, Head Teacher, stated, “The Thrive approach is having a really positive impact on wellbeing and behaviour, fostering empathy and a supportive environment where children feel valued and included.”
The school’s staff have received extensive Thrive training, including neurodevelopmental insights and trauma-informed strategies like VFRs, to better understand and regulate children’s emotional needs. All pupils are assessed three times yearly using Thrive online tools to identify and address social and emotional challenges.
