In March 2017, Yorkley Nurture Group was assessed against the Nurture Group Network’s criteria for the Marjorie Boxall Quality Mark Award. This is a prestigious national award for Nurture, and with enormous pride and sense of achievement we were successful. We are the first Nurture Group in Gloucestershire to gain this award.
The Nurture Group provides opportunities to develop confidence, self esteem and social skills, in a secure, caring and safe environment. The group consists of children with a wide range of needs who are not, for whatever reason, achieving their full potential. The group has high expectations with clearly defined boundaries, positive reinforcement, consistency, structure and predictability. It works within the principles of inclusive practice and the principles of the Nurture Group Network to respond to diverse needs.
The Principles of Nurture are:
- Children’s learning is understood developmentally
- The classroom offers a safe base
- The importance of nurture for the development of self esteem
- Language is a vital means of communication
- All behaviour is communication
- The importance of transition in children’s lives
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‘Pupils who attend the nurture provision have well-planned and effective support that ensures that they develop their skills. The nurture group embodies the ethos of the school and is highly effective in supporting pupils to manage their feelings and extend their social skills alongside their peers.’ OFSTED November 2016 |
To view our Nurture policy please click this link:
To find out more about the national Nurture Group Network and its principles please click this link,
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- Problem Solving – marble run
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- Communication Skills
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- Food Technology – Biscuits
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- Science – Making a fan
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- Science – the fan moves the boat
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- Science – changing a plug
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- History – Settlers & Invaders
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- Food Technology – measuring
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- Parents Party – Social skills!
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- Fine Motor Control
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- Graduation from Nurture
Quotes from members of Nurture Group:
‘In the classroom I would mess around……. ‘I spent most of my playtimes in detention. Nurture has helped me to ‘take into account other’s opinions. I share and don’t just think of myself. I am now a playground Buddy and have lots of friends too’ John Williams
‘My behaviour in class was not good; if someone said something horrible I would hit them. Other children probably didn’t feel very safe, they never knew when I would jump. Playtimes I would sit on my own’ Nurture has helped me ‘to change my actions. I knew that people in the classroom were safe. It has helped me to concentrate and aim high. I can control my anger-most of the time. I have loads of friends’ Jayke Fissenden
Before Nurture ‘ I used to fight and swear with other children, I didn’t want to learn. The other children probably though I looked stupid because I was a Year 4 crawling about.’ Nurture has helped me ‘with everything, I feel happy, excited and ready to learn. I’ve got the levels I wanted.’ Hayden Robbins
Before Nurture, ‘I used to get very angry, sometimes I would throw chairs and anything I had in my hand. The other children were frightened of me. I was sad and lonely at playtimes. Nurture has helped me to ‘be less angry, I get on with my work. I play football now and have lots of friends.’ Neal Trigg
A comment from a parent who wishes to remain anonymous… “my son wouldn’t be where he is today if it wasn’t for Nurture” July 2015
In the last twelve months seven children have graduated from the Diamond Mine: Ethan Fennell, Tannis Joyner, Ashton Nowalski, Ben Wood, Leona Harrison, Stacey Aston and most recently Jake Brice.
We are so very proud of their achievements and their successes in the classroom
Behaviour
The general behaviour of pupils is a matter of great importance in the running and success of the school. We believe that the happiness and well-being of the whole school community lies in firm and fair discipline based on mutual care and respect. Politeness and thought for others are regarded as the basis of good relationships, whilst honesty, kindness and fairness are strongly encouraged. Our aim is to create and maintain a climate in which all children may feel happy and secure; one in which they can most easily learn. By far the majority of pupils at Yorkley behave extremely well and are a credit to themselves, their families and school. Children are expected to observe the school rules and parents are consulted early if there is a cause for concern
Staff have also had training on dealing positively with incidents, conflict resolution and mediation. The school has an anti-bullying policy. The school sets high expectations for standards of behaviour and seeks the co-operation of parents/carers and all involved in the life of the school in order to achieve this.
Rewards and Celebration
Rewards are what children receive for following the rules. They are given to individuals to whole classes and also to the whole school. Rewards are the most important part of our behaviour and rewards policy as they encourage good behaviour, build self-esteem and lead to a positive atmosphere in school. Rewards we give include:-
- Approving look, nod, wink, and smile.
- Private praise.
- Public praise.
- Effort marks.
- House points. (linked to behaviour and respect of people / property)
- Star of the week.
- Informing parents/guardians, post cards home.
- Displays.
- Head Teacher stickers/certificates and many more.
- Governor Awards.
- Attendance Awards.
Assemblies
Assembly time is predominantly Christian in nature, but we do also refer to other religions and faiths. Assembly is also a good time to reinforce the school ethos and aims and to celebrate our achievements. Should parents wish to withdraw their child from assembly for religious reasons they may do so by contacting the Headteacher. Parents are invited to class assemblies as well as end of year celebrations. At the end of each academic year we present Governors’ Awards to a child from each class who have been nominated by adults and children.
