We are delighted to present the fifth volume of the International Journal of Nurture in Education - the only journal solely dedicated to research on the nurturing approach. We are proud of the contributions made by our authors who provide an in-depth examination of different themes dear to nurture practitioners. All contributions are subject to peer review.

Topics that are covered in this volume include:

• Sylvia Lucas, one of the first nurture practitioners who started running nurture groups in the 1970s, shares her insights into how nurture theory and practice were first developed.
• Maura Kearney and Gail Nowek provide a countrywide perspective and map the development of nurturing approaches across Scotland.
• Amy Gibb and Richard Lewis use psychodynamic and attachment theories to map the journey to establish a close relationship between nurture child and practitioner.
• Andrea Middleton examines the wellbeing of nurture group practitioners and interventions to support it.
• Rebecca Hibbin explores the importance of positive language and communication for nurturing and restorative approaches.
• Griselda Kellie-Smith, Andrea Perry and Michele Crooks provide an overview of the programme Babywatching, a whole-class nurturing intervention to develop children's social and emotional skills.