Nurture groups offer a short term, focused intervention which addresses barriers to learning arising from social, emotional, or mental health difficulties in an inclusive, supportive manner. Children and young people continue to remain part of their own class group and usually return full-time to their main class within four terms.
A nurture group is a small group of 6 to 12 children usually based in a mainstream educational setting and staffed by two supportive adults. As well as primary settings, there are now nurture groups in early years settings, secondary schools, PRUs and special schools, (where the whole school may be classed as a ‘nurture group’) and although their organisation and time spent in the group, may be different, the principles of nurture remain the same.
Originally developed in 1969 by Educational Psychologist Marjorie Boxall, nurture groups can now be found in over 2,000 schools in the UK and internationally.
They offer the opportunity for children to experience the early nurturing experiences some children and young people lack, giving them the skills to do well at school, have positive relationships and deal more confidently and calmly with the trials and tribulations of life, for life.
First and foremost, nurture groups focus on supporting students to form attachments to consistent, loving and caring adults at school. Unconditional positive regard is one of the most powerful mechanisms for change.
