Over 40,000 pupils in the North East of England to benefit from a new nurture programme
Over 40,000 pupils in the North East of England to benefit from a new nurture programme rolling out across schools in the region
We’re thrilled to be partnering with the North East Combined Authority as part of their Excellence in Education Programme. Our Nurture the North East programme will be delivered to over one hundred schools across Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, County Durham, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
Nurture the North East
There are two key aims of the programme.
The first is to empower educators to deliver nurturing interventions that improve the social, emotional and behavioural needs of children and young people. The second aim is to support the wellbeing and professional development of teaching staff through delivery of accredited training programmes.
These aims will be achieved by delivering a range of training, resources and support including Boxall Profile®, whole-school nurture programmes, as well as training and support for setting up nurture groups.
SEMH need in the North East of England
Schools in the North East have seen rising social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs since COVID-19: 96% of schools reported an increase in students with SEND, particularly in diagnoses of autism, SEMH issues, and speech and language difficulties. And yet, 84% of schools indicated they lacked capacity and resources to adequately support these students.
We know the enduring impact of the pandemic disproportionately affects disadvantaged pupils, widening the attainment gap, and that children in the North East are more likely to be born into disadvantaged contexts.
Our programme aims to equip schools with the skills and strategies needed to foster truly inclusive learning environments, allowing all pupils to succeed both in school and wider life.
The impact of nurture in the North East of England
We anticipate the programme to reach 142 schools, 243 educators, and over 40,000 children and young people. The impact of this partnership, therefore, can be significant in improving the life chances of children and young people across the North East.
Arti Sharma, nurtureuk CEO, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with the North East Combined Authority on this vital programme that will support thousands of pupils across the region. Every child deserves to be ready and able to learn, and by identifying and addressing social and emotional development needs early on, we can give pupils the foundations they need to thrive both in the classroom and in life. At nurtureuk, we've seen first-hand just how transformative relational practice can be for children, their families and schools. We're proud to play our part in helping educators build inclusive environments that unlock every child’s potential.”
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council and Cabinet Member for the North East Combined Authority, has also celebrated the partnership:
“The Nurture the North East programme is a fantastic example of how we can come together as a region to give every child the best possible start in life. By supporting teachers and helping schools to meet the social and emotional needs of pupils, we’re not just improving education - we’re improving life chances. This is about making sure that every young person in the North East, no matter their background, is nurtured and has the support they need to flourish, learn and succeed.”
Our Nurture the North East programme kicked off this October 2025 and spans a two-year period. For more information on the programme, please contact jacqui@nurtureuk.org
The North East Combined Authority (North East CA) was formed on 7 May 2024. It is led by Elected Mayor Kim McGuinness and the Cabinet and covers the seven local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland. For more information visit www.northeast-ca.gov.uk