The Nurture Hub
The Nurture Hub is a happy, safe place where children have the opportunity to grow, become engaged and be successful independent learners. We operate a well-planned structure, and predictable routines, which helps the children to feel safe and secure with familiar trusted adults. We work on consistency, positive reinforcements and praise, boosting confidence, self-esteem and improving the children’s social skills.
The Hub offers child-centred activities that enables children to learn through play as well as carefully planned classwork that meets the children’s individual needs; the aim is to help the children to attain the highest level of achievement of which they are capable and to be able to function successfully within their mainstream class.
The Nurture provision is run by two fully qualified Nurture practitioners, who are working towards The Majorie Boxall quality mark award. They are supported by the Head of School, Kristy Northway, who is a qualified Thrive practitioner, and line managed by Suzanne MacDonald, Executive Headteacher, who is a qualified Nurture Practitioner.
The Principles of Nurture
1. Children’s learning is understood developmentally Planned activities within the nurture group reflects the developmental stage of each child in the nurture group. Nurture practitioners meet regularly with class teachers to discuss the children's learning, emotional needs and their progress.
2. The classroom offers a safe base The nurture room provides a bridge between home and school, a warm and friendly environment where children feel emotionally safe and secure.
3. The importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing With a growing self-esteem, children will be more able to face the challenges of everyday life, to solve problems and to tackle new experiences.
4. Language is as a vital means of communication Great attention is paid to the use of language with high levels of child/adult interactions, everything is explained and explored.
5. All behaviour is communication The children learn acceptable ways of communicating their likes, dislikes and feelings. There is an emphasis on achieving targets within a supportive environment.
6. The importance of transition in children’s lives Managing transitions is a key feature of our Nurture Group, preparing the children for day-to-day events and changes to the usual routines.
Reasons children might attend a Nurture Group
· Low self esteem
· Find it hard to listen to others or join in
· Family illness or break up
· Bereavement
· Find it hard to share and take turns
· Find it hard to settle into class
· Friendship difficulties
· Find it hard to accept losing a game
· Quiet, shy withdrawn
Does this mean my child is ‘naughty’?
No, these sessions are meant to help them manage situations and increase their skills to become more successful learners. Children develop at different rates and have different needs. Our Nurture Hub is design to offer a tailored package of support to continue learning whilst supporting areas of need. The aim, over a period of 1-4 terms is to successfully reintegrate the children back into class.
How do I access nurture support for my child? In school, support for our children begins with internal pastoral support, such as ELSA, leading to external input from the local authority SEN hub team. Once these options have been accessed, a move to access the Nurture Hub may be the most appropriate next step. This is done through a triangulated meeting between the class teacher, Head of School, SENDCo and parents.