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 that underpins the nurture group approach and the principles in everyday practice;
Gain up-to-date research in attachment theory and neuroscience and the practical applications in the classroom;
Unpick the practicalities of setting up and running a nurture group – early years, primary and secondary;
Set up and implement effective modes of classroom organisation and management including the identification and assessment of children;
Look at nurture group routines;
Create a curriculum structure and development plan including nurture group activities;
Look at how to evaluate and monitor children’s progress including record keeping strategies;
Develop working relationship with parents and carers;
Unpick a nurture group policy;
Look at strategies and structures to assess pupils’ developmental difficulties, blocks to learning and to devise practical strategies to support them in transition back to class;
Develop an action 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

BAEd QTS

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 disabilities 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 and condition specific training, including ASC, ADHD and Dyslexia. She has continued her own professional development throughout the years including a Masters in Education, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and PDA formal qualifications. She is currently working towards her Doctorate in Education.

Karen believes in a better understanding of SEND and complex needs can be achieved through information sharing and she is committed to ensure that education is developed and delivered to as many people as possible.

See what others have to say about us

Don’t just take our word for it, visit our social media pages for live feedback.

“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