Nurture Group - The Woodland Room
Nurture Group takes place in the Woodland Room. Nurture groups were originally started in April 2011 and the range of care and provision has grown from then. Previously known as the Rainbow Room, we have re- launched the room and its provision from May 2016.
The Nurture room is designed to be a bridge between home and school/nursery; a place where children can feel safe and secure and therefore develop their individual needs further. The Woodland room has a table to share snacks, a beautiful seating area to play games and work collaboratively plus a kitchen to prepare snacks. The Woodland Garden adjoins the Woodland Room and has external seating, a sandpit and outdoor play space.
What is the purpose of Nurture Group & its Philosophy?
Nurture Group is a small class of pupils (6-8). Its composition is carefully well thought-out to create a balanced and functional group. The Nurture Group is part of the school’s Inclusion and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) provision. Its purpose is to offer children opportunities to re-visit early learning skills and promote and support their social and emotional development. There is much research evidence that children’s learning is most effective when they have a sense of emotional well being, good self esteem and a feeling of belonging to their school community. The Nurture Room provides children with this opportunity and so helps to develop their maturity and resilience. The Nurture Room is a place of learning.
The philosophy of the Nurture Room is drawn from the principles established by the work of Marjorie Boxall and others, and exemplified by ‘The Nurture Group Network’ (www.nurturegroups.org).
The Nurture Group Principles:
- Children’s learning is understood developmentally
- The classroom offers a safe base
- All behaviour is communication
- The importance of transition in children's lives
- Has an adult/child ration of 1:3, and provides lots of opportunities for speaking and listening activities
- Builds a child’s self-esteem and confidence
- Builds skills for classroom learning
- Has daily crafts, games, a ‘mini-tea’ and more!
- Language is a vital means of communication
Which children attend Nurture Group?
Children may attend sessions in the Nurture Group for specific reasons, for example:
- Friendship difficulties – keeping/making friends
- Quiet, shy, withdrawn
- Find it hard to listen to others or join in
- Disruptive towards others
- Find it hard to accept losing a game
- Find it hard to share and take turns
- Find it a bit difficult to settle into class
- Bullying
- Low self esteem
- Poor relationships with adults in school
- Bereavement
- Family illness or break-up
How will Nurture Group help my child?
Nurture Group will boost confidence and self esteem and provide children with the extra help sometimes needed to improve social skills and independence for example:
-To join in
-To settle
-To listen
-To concentrate
-To share and take turns
-To accept losing a game
-To build up friendships with their classmates
-It gives them a chance and helps to encourage a more positive profile among their peers and members of staff.
Does this mean my child is naughty?
No, these sessions are meant to help them manage situations and increase their skills to become more successful learners.
How long will my child be in Nurture Group for?
Children attend on a part-time basis for a period of 2 terms. However we ensure that the children do not miss special assemblies, guests in school, outings or anything else that may be different from the normal routine of the week.
Are parents/carers involved?
We like to consider our door is always open and therefore welcome parent/carers to visit and join the sessions at any time. Special event invitations are sent out to join us for example; open afternoon, Mother's Day Tea or simply for afternoon tea and a chat.
An afternoon in Nurture Group
Children follow a structure and routine that is clear to both staff and children which includes group listening and speaking, work tasks, individual and shared play and social skills. The group runs on consistency, positive reinforcement and praise.
A typical afternoon session in the Woodland Room would revolve around a theme for the session. All pupils would understand what they were going to learn and improve on during that session. Children have the opportunity to share good news, explore thoughts and feelings and work collaboratively on a practical task. Children work with new peers regularly, encouraging cooperation and confidence. Within the sessions, opportunities are tailored to the needs of the particular group and age range. Outdoor learning is an important part of the sessions. Children learn to share a snack together and the opportunity is given to choose and try new food; even baking them first! Children learn to share and talk together with peers and adults.
The Woodland Room is at the heart of the pastoral care at Coppice Primary and Nursery School. It is used daily by children at lunchtimes, where they can learn and play together.
Useful Links
The Nurture Group Network
www.nurturegroups.org
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
National website for CAMHS
www.camhs.org.uk
My Family Care
Allows parents to search for and book local holiday clubs and camps online
outofschoolcare.co.uk
National Children's Bureau
Promotes the interests and well-being of all children
www.ncb.org.uk
Parentline Plus
National charity working with parents. Has a free confidential helpline
parentlineplus.org.uk
Young Minds
The children's mental health charity
www.youngminds.org.uk
Links to art & craft ideas
Crafts for Kids - Easy Kids Crafts - Arts and Craft Ideas ...spoonful.com/crafts
Crafts for Kids - EnchantedLearning.com www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/
Crafts | crayola.com www.crayola.com/crafts/
DLTK's Crafts for Kids www.dltk-kids.com/
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