The Nurture programme
What is the nurture programme
Not all children are ready to meet the social and intellectual demands of school life. Research shows that a child is able to learn best when they have strong self-esteem, a sense of belonging and resilience. Nurture groups offer a short-term focused intervention which addresses barriers to learning arising from social or emotional difficulties.
Nurture groups were originally developed in 1969 by educational psychologist Marjorie Boxall, who famously said, “If the child is unable to adjust to the needs of the school, then the school must adjust to meet the needs of the child.”
Our nurture groups are small, structured teaching groups for children showing signs of behavioural, social or emotional difficulties, particularly those who are experiencing disruption or distress outside school. There are now more than 1,500 schools with nurture provision in the UK, offering opportunities to experience the early nurturing experiences that some children have not had.
Nurture groups are developed around six principles:
Learning is understood developmentally
The classroom offers a safe base
Nurture is important for the development of wellbeing
Language is a vital means of communication
All behaviour is communication
The importance of transition in the lives of children and families
The overall impact of the nurture provision is evidenced through the successful reintegration of the children into their main class.
Other impact measures include:
Improved learning skills, including language and literacy
Improved behaviour and social skills
Positive change to social and emotional functioning at home
Positive attachments to the school and staff
Identification of issues that may require early intervention, for example by CAMHS or the Educational Psychologist
Better self-esteem, confidence and self-worth
Improved attendance
Pupil progress demonstrated through curriculum planning and assessment, using the Boxall Profile and National Curriculum
Positive feedback from parents, staff and children (through questionnaires and comments)
In the Nurture Programme, we offer:
Small groups of identified pupils working with highly trained staff
Staff trained in:
Nurture UK
Trauma Informed Schools
Thrive
Team Around the Family Support
Cruse Counselling
Mindfulness
Play Therapy
Nurture groups were originally developed in 1969 by educational psychologist Marjorie Boxall, who famously said, “If the child is unable to adjust to the needs of the school, then the school must adjust to meet the needs of the child.”
Our nurture groups are small, structured teaching groups for children showing signs of behavioural, social or emotional difficulties, particularly those who are experiencing disruption or distress outside school. There are now more than 1,500 schools with nurture provision in the UK, offering opportunities to experience the early nurturing experiences that some children have not had.
Nurture groups are developed around six principles:
Learning is understood developmentally
The classroom offers a safe base
Nurture is important for the development of wellbeing
Language is a vital means of communication
All behaviour is communication
The importance of transition in the lives of children and families
The overall impact of the nurture provision is evidenced through the successful reintegration of the children into their main class.
Other impact measures include:
Improved learning skills, including language and literacy
Improved behaviour and social skills
Positive change to social and emotional functioning at home
Positive attachments to the school and staff
Identification of issues that may require early intervention, for example by CAMHS or the Educational Psychologist
Better self-esteem, confidence and self-worth
Improved attendance
Pupil progress demonstrated through curriculum planning and assessment, using the Boxall Profile and National Curriculum
Positive feedback from parents, staff and children (through questionnaires and comments)
In the Nurture Programme, we offer:
Small groups of identified pupils working with highly trained staff
Staff trained in:
Nurture UK
Trauma Informed Schools
Thrive
Team Around the Family Support
Cruse Counselling
Mindfulness
Play Therapy