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Lons Infant School
Learning, Opportunities, Nurturing, Success
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Nurture
What is the purpose of Nurture Group?
The Nurture Group is a small group of 4-6 pupils who spend time in the Magic Room. The Nurture Group continues the ethos of an already nurturing environment within Lons Infant School.
The children are supported within the Magic Room to raise their emotional well-being, self-esteem and a sense of belonging to the school community, and to develop the necessary skills to be able to integrate positively into their peer and class group.
The Nurture Group is a place of learning.
We follow six principles:
- Children’s learning is understood developmentally;
- The classroom/school offers a safe base;
- Nurture is important for the development of self-esteem;
- Language is understood as a vital means of communication;
- All behaviour is communication;
- Transitions are significant in the lives of children.
How are children selected?
Through observation and discussion with class teachers, and through completion and analysis of a ‘Boxall Profile’ (a tool designed to track social, emotional and behavioural development).
Why might my child need to attend 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 – keeping/making friends;
- Find it hard to accept losing a game;
- Quiet, shy, withdrawn.
A teacher might identify a child with any of the above needs. A discussion would then take place with the Nurture staff. A Boxall Profile will be completed to identify possible areas of which a child might need support. If it is felt the child would benefit from a Nurture Group environment the class teacher will speak to the parent/carer and they will be given the opportunity to accept a place for their child to attend the Nurture Group.
Our Nurture Group takes place in the Magic Room.
The Magic Room has been carefully arranged to have the best of both classroom and a home environment. It is designed to be warm and welcoming in order to provide a consistent, predictable and safe place for children. Provision should be of a high quality and link to curriculum activities, just as any classroom there are areas for sharing stories, circles times and for completing tasks. Within the the Magic Room there is also a quiet area for children to use for thinking time or for finding their own space.
The group is run by staff who are qualified in planning an appropriate curriculum and modelling good relationships.
How will the Nurture group help my child?
The nurture group will help to boost confidence and self-esteem and provide children with extra skills to improve social skills and independence for example:
- To engage;
- To settle;
- To listen;
- To concentrate;
- To share and take turns;
- To accept losing a game;
- To build friendship with their classmates;
- Gives opportunities to talk about and understand their feelings;
- To work on curriculum based activities from their classrooms;
- To experience and practice the development of positive relationship.
Does this mean my child is misbehaving?
No. These sessions are meant to help them manage situations and increase their skills to become more successful learners.
How long will my child attend the Nurture Group?
Nurture Group sessions run once a week and and the number of sessions varies per child. However, we do ensure that children do not miss special assemblies, guests in school, outings or any special events that the rest of their class are taking part in. The Nurture team plan closely with the class teachers and each child usually follows the curriculum being carried out in their class.
What does and afternoon in Nurture look like?
1:30 - children arrive and are welcomed
1:35 - children are set an activity which involves working together to develop social skills, language, confidence and respect
1:50 - children carry out a creative activity which is planned around themes to support curriculum topics
2:05 - children participate in a group activity to encourage confidence and social skills, alongside turn-taking
2:20 - children all sit together for refreshments
2:25 - story time
Are parents/carers involved?
Yes we like to feel there is an open door policy where parents/carers can come and chat with the class teacher or the Nurture staff with regard to their child. Parents/carers are also welcome to join us for one of the sessions. Please speak to the school office should you wish to attend a session and we will be happy to arrange.
Nurture Group Leaflet