The Den 
Victoria Park Primary Schools Nurture Group 

What is a Nurture Group?

Our nurture group allows children to flourish emotionally. It is a safe place in school where each child can learn, develop and grow based on their individual needs. 

It is a class within the school that is set up like a home, with a living area, kitchen and dining area. 

A set routine allows the children to know what they will be doing each day. 

Children attending the nurture group will start and finish each day with their main class. They will spend some time with their class each day and will take part in all school activities.

The Nurture group is run by a qualified teacher and classroom assistant who have been trained in Nurture theory and practice. 

Who can attend the Nurture Group?

Children who may require extra support include those who:
• have attention and focus difficulties that impact their learning progress
• find it hard to share and take turns
• have difficulties keeping or making friends
• struggle to settle into class
• find it difficult to accept losing a game
• have experienced a family illness or break up
• may be quiet, shy and withdrawn
• have low self-esteem
• have experienced a bereavement or loss

Positive relationships are modelled by the Nurture teacher and Nurture assistant with an emphasis on developing language and communication skills. Pupils will learn how to understand and regulate their emotions.

How are children selected?

The class teacher will put forward the name of a pupil in their room who they feel would benefit from attending the nurture group. 

The Nurture steering Group will meet to select potential pupils. Based on observations and assessments made those children who will benefit most from the opportunity will be identified.

Parents of the child will be consulted before their child enters the Nurture Group and at regular times thereafter.

What will my child learn?

Children in the Nurture Group will follow the NI curriculum, taking into account their individual needs.

Carefully planned teaching and learning opportunities aim to enable each child to raise their levels of achievement.

Children work in small groups, in pairs and one to one with an adult.

What will my child learn?

Children are supported within the Nurture Group to develop their emotional well-being, self-esteem and communication skills. We provide a safe and structured environment through the use of predictable routines with clear boundaries, where pupils can build upon their confidence, resilience skills and have a sense of belonging to the school community.

Children will follow the curriculum bearing in mind their individual needs. In addition to daily numeracy and literacy lessons the children will engage in a range of activities including the following:

• Arts and Crafts
• Outdoor Learning
• Free & structured play
• Snack preparation & cooking
• Gardening
• Baking
• Talking and Listening activities
• Social skills & Life skills

The group runs on consistency, positive relationships and praise. The Den will help to boost confidence and self-esteem and provide children with the opportunity to improve social skills and independence for example:

The Den gives pupil opportunities to:

• talk about and understand their feelings
• work on curriculum-based activities from their classrooms
• experience and practice the development of positive relationships
• build positive friendship with their classmates
• enhance their ‘getting ready to learn’ skills in a small group setting