Nurture groups - taking care of the vulnerable

Nurture groups - a form of early intervention for children who look as if they might have difficulties in their education because of social and emotional problems - are gaining popularity as their beneficial effects are observed. They provide a safe environment, help build a child's self-esteem, foster trust and provide a safe, healthy environment in which the child can engage in learning.

Starting out - why a nurture group?

When our headteacher first mentioned the idea of adding a nurture group to our primary school, he was met, at least amongst the governors, with blank looks - but once explained we didn't need much persuading. Nurture groups are a form of early intervention for children who look as if they might have difficulties in their education because of social and emotional problems. They help children in many different ways - with friendships, social skills, confidence, behaviour management, play and learning. 

We are an inclusive, rural school with a high proportion (about a third) of pupils with special needs, and the more we looked at nurture groups the more we felt a nurture group would be right for us. As funding became available and a classroom fell vacant (as a result of falling rolls), we were able to start the venture.

Nurture group selection 

As early as possible in their schooling, a Boxall test is run on the children identified as those who may benefit from a stint in the group. This test, in the form of structured observation of children in the classroom, has been developed by teachers and classroom staff to support the work of nurture groups by highlighting behavioural problems and assessing children’s skills or difficulties at building relationships.

With parental consent, a child who is suitable can join the nurture group. Ours is called Penguins, to reflect the strong emphasis on nurturing and caring for others.
 

Working, eating and playing together

Children will spend up to four terms in the class. They register, share playtime and lunch, and end the day with their original class, but the rest of the time up to nine of them are in their own dedicated classroom with a teacher and full-time teaching assistant (TA). As well as schooling, care and consideration for others are important emphases in the Penguins’ day. A unique feature of the classroom, for example, is the kitchen. The idea of eating together and sometimes cooking for each other is central to the concept of nurturing. The class has a daily snack time – toast and a drink – to which outsiders are invited; I always enjoy my visits.
 

The importance of routine, consistency and continuity

The children have a daily timetable which is discussed at the beginning of the day and is prominently displayed on a whiteboard - they know...