Outstanding Nurture Provision in Schools

Course introduction

This course is designed to improve participants’ understanding of nurture group provision as well as how to set up and/or develop an existing nurture group.

‘When the nurture groups were working well, they made a considerable difference to the behaviour and the social skills of the pupils who attended them. Through intensive, well-structured teaching and support, pupils learnt to manage their own behaviour, to build positive relationships with adults and with other pupils and to develop strategies to help them cope with their emotions.’ (OFSTED Publication: Supporting children with challenging behaviour through a nurture group approach)

We will also examine what makes an outstanding nurture group by unpicking what ‘good practice’ looks like and how to prepare for inspection. Time will also be spent on the theory of nurture as well as the benefits of using strategies to identify children who will benefit from nurture interventions in school, as well ways to encourage children to build their confidence and learn positive behaviour.

What we will cover throughout the day

• Understand the theoretical background underpinning the nurture group approach, including principles of everyday practice, attachment theory, and relevant neuroscience.

• Learn how to set up, organise, and run effective nurture groups across early years, primary, and secondary settings.

• Explore curriculum development, daily routines, and practical nurture group activities to support children's emotional and social development.

• Develop skills in assessment, monitoring, record-keeping, and evaluating children’s progress, including identifying blocks to learning.

• Build strategies for working with parents and carers, creating policies, and supporting smooth transitions back to the classroom through an actionable development plan.

Target audience

Aimed at anyone who works in a nurture group or is looking to set up a nurture provision. Ideal for school-based staff including teachers, head teachers, deputy headteacher, SENCO, special education teacher, school support staff, classroom assistant, educational psychologists and pastoral care staff and pastoral lead teacher.

Trainers for this course

Karen Ferguson

BSc (Hons), QTS, MEd, MA

Karen is currently working part-time in a mainstream Primary School as SENDCO, while the remaining part of her week is spent supporting and training. Karen started teaching science at a... mainstream secondary school in 2000 but moved into the SEND environment, working with children and parents to help them overcome their barriers to education to give them the skills to achieve their full potential. The majority of her training was on the job, which showed the need for training in this area. She was appointed as a Specialist Leader in Education for Autism, and this allowed her to disseminate good practice and deliver training in the field of SEND. Karen offers various SEND, Neurodivergent and condition specific training, including Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia. She has continued her professional development throughout the years, including a Master in Arts, Master in Education, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and PDA formal qualifications. She is currently working towards her NPQSEN. Karen believes that a better understanding of SEND, Neurodivergence and complex needs can be achieved through information sharing, and she is committed to ensuring that education is developed and delivered to as many people as possible.Read more

See what others have to say about us

“I wasn’t sure what to expect from this training as it is something I did not know very much about, but the information and organisation of this training was brilliant, Karen was fantastic and I already cannot wait to start the process of running nurture groups in our school.”

“A Fantastic course delivered with enthusiasm. It has left me with a clear understanding of the expectations and requirements needed to set up a nurture group.”

“Extremely beneficial – very good mix between reasons for behaviour and how to set up a nurture group, balance between theory and practice. Can’t wait to go back to school to start on our journey to establish a nurture group. Thank you.”

About the venue

Stay at home, get comfortable and enjoy our live interactive course via Zoom! You’ll receive the link a few days before the course date so you can get prepared (and excited) ahead of time.

Handy course logistics

• The course will run via Zoom from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, however, the trainer will be available 15 minutes before and after the course times to answer any questions.
• You’ll receive mid-morning, lunch and afternoon breaks to re-energise.
• This course is designed to be interactive and inclusive. We welcome questions and discussions throughout and we want you to be comfortable and stress-free no matter where you join us from!
• Your course pack includes handouts, an M&S voucher for food, a snack, a pen and a notepad – we’ll send this to you before the day. Please note this is only for UK-based participants, international attendees will receive the pack via email.
• Additional links and information will be emailed to you before and during the course.
• This course is also available as an in-house / INSET training session at your school. Contact us for details.
• Please Note – the cost is per person
• Please note – the early bird rate of £185+ VAT ends 28 days prior to the course date, after this the standard rate of £215+VAT will be charged.