The National Nurturing Schools Award (NNSA)

An award for schools that have attended the National Nurturing Schools Programme (NNSP) and which have succeeded in creating a nurturing culture for the children and young people in their care.

How is it awarded?

The award is assessed against a set of NNSP Standards, outlined during the National Nurturing Schools Programme, which cover three main areas: Stakeholders, Delivery, and Leadership & Management.

To establish that a school is meeting each of these Standards, we gather evidence via discussion, interviews and observation, as well as by reviewing any electronic evidence provided during our assessment. 

A male teacher talking to some school children in a classroom
Male teacher talking to high school pupils in an art class

What are the benefits?

The award is evidence of a school’s success in implementing and embedding a nurturing culture that responds to the social, emotional and mental health needs of its pupils, alongside their academic studies.

The award therefore helps a school to demonstrate its achievements in this area – for example to school inspectors – or to promote this work to current or prospective parents of its pupils.  

Children and young people benefit: from an approach that places their strengths and needs at the heart of practice, allowing them to flourish and be the best they can be.

 Parents and caregivers benefit: from being involved and welcomed in the school, in seeing the improvement children and young peoples learning, behaviour, confidence and attendance.

Staff benefit:
from a renewed focus on their pupils and a culture of change where every voice counts.

 Schools benefit:
from showing their commitment to developing an ethos and culture that is inclusive and supports everyone associated with the school.

Communities benefit: from having a school that wants to be at the heart of the community and demonstrates its central role in children and young people’s lives.

Applying for the NNSA

Are You Ready to Apply for the National Nurturing Schools Award?

This award is for settings who have undertaken the National Nurturing Schools Programme can apply for this award. The award is valid for 3 years, after which a school needs to re-apply.

The award is assessed against a set of quality and performance standards, using the Six Principles of Nurture and linked to the use of the Boxall Profile® assessment tool.

The award is valid for 3 years from the date it is awarded. After expiry settings can apply for re-accreditation.

The cost of this application is included in your National Nurturing Schools Programme training.

A group of school children walking and talking to each other

Re-accreditation for the National Nurturing Schools Award: Are You Ready to Apply?

This award is for settings who have undertaken the National Nurturing Schools Programme, the award is due to expire and you are looking to re-apply.

The award is assessed against a set of quality and performance standards, using the Six Principles of Nurture and linked to the use of the Boxall Profile® assessment tool.

The award is valid for 3 years from the date it is awarded.

Cost: £595 (excl. VAT)

This one off charge covers the cost of the application and the moderation, assessment, report and certificate.