The Theory and Practice of Nurture Groups

Nurture group training for teachers and school leaders

Education Resources Awards 2025 Finalist

Build capability to reduce behaviour incidents, improve engagement and strengthen inclusive practice

Schools are under pressure today to...

Address increases in challenging behaviour
Improve attendance and engagement
Demonstrate consistent inclusive practice
Provide evidence-led responses to SEMH needs

This three-day live online nurture group training course for educators gives you a structured relational approach that shifts practice immediately to:

Identify developmental and SEMH needs accurately
Plan targeted interventions that reduce escalation
Apply relational strategies consistently across classrooms, nurture groups, and inclusion hubs
Strengthen graduated responses before exclusions or suspensions
Improve pupil engagement, attendance and behaviour

Book your place on any of our next available dates today and become a nationally recognised nurture practitioner.

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What you'll get

Three days of expert-led live online training: two consecutive days and and one follow-up day to reinforce and review learning
Expert-designed practical teacher training on the theory and practice of nurture
Small-group training: capped at 12, working with peers from other schools
Free access to e-learning: our Introduction to the Boxall Profile® Online self-paced course
Publications to support your learning tailored to your setting: The Boxall Profile® Handbook and Beyond the Boxall Profile® (primary or secondary)
Recognition: When you successfully complete your assignment, you'll gain an SCQF level 8 qualification and become a nationally certified nurture practitioner.

What it will change

Rather than focusing on background theory alone, this course equips you to:

Understand the real drivers of behaviour and SEMH need
Translate neuroscience & attachment theory into actionable practice
Use the Six Principles of Nurture in everyday decisions
Build confident, consistent responses across your team
Reduce barriers to learning for vulnerable pupils

If behaviour and SEMH pressures are rising in your setting, build the capability to deal with this today with our teacher training.

Who it's for

This training is designed for:

Teachers, teaching assistants, and nurture practitioners seeking practical relational strategies
SENCOs and inclusion leads wanting consistent practice
School leaders responsible for behaviour, SEMH or pupil engagement
Both primary schools and secondary schools

It’s particularly suitable for teachers and leaders working with inclusion hubs, those seeking nurture room training, or designing interventions to use in the classroom.

Next steps

This instructor-led course is at the develop level of our product framework.

Our relational approach e-learning course is a natural next step - buy now on our learning platform.
For more in-depth understanding of Boxall Profile® move on to our in-depth Boxall Profile® training - check available dates.

What other schools say

Our teacher training is consistently top-rated by delegates and trusted by professionals across the sector, in primary schools and secondary schools.

When asked how likely they are to recommend it, 87% of participants scored the course 9 out of 10 or higher - rating a Net Promotor Score of 86 (excellent).

"The trainers were amazing, so accommodating and considerate. Very lucky to have a lovely group of learners, enjoyed the small size of group so we could all contribute and feel a sense of belonging. Informative and so interesting, exploring the topics of Neuroscience and attachment theory."

"A great balance of theory behind nurture and why it's important but also giving practical advice about how to successfully set up a nurture group or intervention."

"Clarified what I believed nurture to be but has given me a background knowledge/science to prove it and explain it."

Over two thirds said it had exceeded their expectations.

Pricing

£699 per person plus VAT

See our terms and conditions for full details.

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What delegates say

I found it very informative and [the] content very thoroughly covered at an appropriate pace. Our trainer was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions, as well as allowing for group discussion. It has really motivated me, and I feel much more ready to take on my new role as a nurture teacher.

A great balance of the theory behind nurture and why it's important, but also giving practical advice about how to successfully set up a nurture group or intervention.

Why is this training relevant now?

Is this nurture group training accredited?

How does this link to the Boxall Profile®?

Can I send my whole team on the nurture group training?

Do I need to attend all three days?

What is covered on each day of the training?

Day One:

Introductions
Origins, context and rationale
Nurture Practice
Neuroscience and nurture groups

Day Two:

Attachment Theory and Nurture Groups
Nurture Principles into Practice
Assessment using the Boxall Profile®
The assignment

Day Three:

Re-cap and reflection
Ethical practice
The assignment
Planning with the Boxall Profile®
Developing the curriculum
A planned approach with the Marjorie Boxall Quality Mark Award guidance

What is the purpose of the gap between day two and day three?

The gap is where theory becomes practice. You cannot become a nurture practitioner just by reading a book; you have to live it. This period allows you to return to your setting and view your daily interactions through the lens of nurture theory.

Think of yourself as a reflective practitioner. Your main tasks are:

Observe: Watch your students closely across different contexts (play, classroom, transitions).
Assess: Complete your required assessment tasks.
Reflect: Identify the specific challenges and successes you encounter in your unique setting.

Day three is collaborative. You will bring the data and challenges you gathered during the gap back to the group. By the time you finish the course, the time spent in the gap ensures that the theory is integrated into your practice.

What if none of the upcoming dates work for me?

What’s the difference between this and the National Nurturing Schools Programme?

The Theory and Practice of Nurture Groups is a three-day course for individual practitioners – teachers, SENCOs, inclusion leads or school leaders – who want to set up and run a nurture group, or apply nurture principles in their own practice. It leads to a SCQF Level 8 qualification and certified nurture practitioner status.

The National Nurturing Schools Programme is an 18-month whole-school programme for senior leaders that develops a nurturing culture across the school and leads to the National Nurturing Schools Award. Schools often combine the two, sending one or two staff on this course while their leadership team works through the wider programme.