What is our Nurture Group?
Our nurture group is a small group of approximately 4-6 children, who remain part of a class group but spend time within our Nurture room. Our nurture group supports children to meet the social and intellectual demands of school life, improving their self-confidence and self-esteem, through a carefully planned curriculum.
Our Nurture Group Principles
Children’s learning is understood developmentally. Planned activities within the nurture group reflects the curriculum of similar children in the school but is adapted as appropriate for the developmental stage of each child in the nurture group.
Nurture Group staff meet regularly with class teachers to discuss the children's’ learning, emotional needs and their progress.
The classroom offers a safe base and aims to provide a bridge between home and school,. It is a warm and friendly environment where children feel emotionally safe and secure.
The development of self-esteem is an important aspect of the nurture group. When growing self-esteem children will be more able to face the challenges of every day life, to solve problems and to tackle new experiences.
The development of language skills for communication is vital! Great attention is paid to the use of language with high levels of child/adult interactions, everything is explained and explored.
We believe that all behaviour is communication...The children learn acceptable ways of communicating their likes, dislikes and feelings. There is a clear rewards and sanctions system, understood by the children, within the group.
Sharing meal times...
Breakfast, snack and lunch times are an important part of the Nurture Group session. The children learn to socialise with each other, to eat and enjoy others company during a meal time, to try new foods, to take turns, to learn acceptable ways of making their needs, likes and dislikes known, and to take on helpful roles within the group, e.g. washing up, laying the table, pouring drinks.
Our Nurture Room
Our room has the following areas:
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A kitchen/dining area, equipped with utensils, baking equipment, cooker, fridge etc.
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A living area with a sofa, rug, photographs, and curtains.
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A quiet area with bean bags, cushions and books
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A work area with literacy and mathematics equipment, paper, card, display boards.
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A general area with jigsaws, bricks, games and role play.