“When you nurture people and add value to them

without expecting anything in return, they feel significant.”

John C Maxwell

What is Nurture?

The definition of Nurture is:

“To care for and protect, someone or something while they are growing.”

The purpose of Nurture is to offer children opportunities to re-visit early learning skills and promote and support their social and emotional development. There is evidence to suggest that children’s learning is most effective when they have a sense of emotional well-being and positive self-esteem. Treetops provides children with this opportunity and will help to develop their maturity and resilience.

Why is Nurture important?

• Nurture is important in shaping a child’s social, emotional and behavioural development.
• A child’s early experience of being nurtured and developing an attachment with a caring adult affects all aspects of their future behaviour and development.

What does Nurture do?

• Helps us to develop our social and emotional skills
• Supports us as we grow
• Builds our resilience and makes us 

feel better about ourselves

What Does This Mean for Your Child?

• A warm, welcoming classroom where relationships come first
• Time and space for children to express their feelings safely
• Adults who understand that children develop at different rates
• A balance of learning, play, structure, and emotional support

The Six Principles of Nurture

We follow The Six Principles of Nurture as a whole school approach:

1. Our learning is understood developmentally

We are all individuals. We all learn in our own way and in our own time and that's ok.

2.The classroom offers a safe base

A classroom or school should be a safe space where we feel happy and valued.

3. The importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing

Looking after ourselves and other people makes us feel good in mind and body.

4. Language is a vital means of communication

Using words to talk about how we feel is important.

5. All behaviour is communication

It's not always easy to express how we feel in words. The way we behave towards other people says a lot about how we are feeling.

6. The importance of transition in our lives

Change happens all the time. It can be exciting but it can also be scary.

These Six Principles of Nurture have been adapted and are displayed in classrooms and throughout the school.

1. We all learn in our own way and on our own time and that’s ok!

2. This is our classroom and we are safe here.

3. In our school family, we care for and look after each other.

4. We use our words to talk about how we feel.

5. Our behaviour can show how we are feeling.

6. Things will change and that’s OK!

Each classroom has a Nurture Nook which is a designated safe space in a classroom. A child can visit the Nurture Nook if they are feeling overwhelmed or upset, or just to manage their emotions. It will have a cosy atmosphere and children will have access to sensory-friendly items.

Nurture Groups

We are delighted to have a dedicated Nurture Room called Treetops which is a calm and inviting space where children can feel safe and secure. The room aims to replicate a home; has a table to share snack time, a reading corner and plenty of space to play. This is where the Nurture Groups take place.

What is a Nurture Group?

Nurture groups offer a short term, focused intervention which addresses barriers to learning. The intervention will last for six to twelve weeks, during the afternoon, for 4 to 6 children. Children follow a structure and routine which includes group listening and speaking, turn taking, support with friendships and support with managing emotions. The group will help to boost confidence and self-esteem. These sessions are designed to help children become successful learners.

In order to identify which children we think would benefit from this intervention, each teacher will carry out a Boxall Profile Assessment on each child in their class. This will identify possible areas that a child might need support.

After a discussion between the Nurture Lead and the Class Teacher, the class Teacher will approach the parent to discuss the benefits of the group. The parent will have the opportunity to view Treetops and discuss this further with the Nurture Lead.

Why does Nurture Matter?

• Helps children build self-confidence and resilience
• Supports social skills and emotional literacy
• Reduces anxiety and improves behaviour
• Encourages a love of learning

In schools, the practice of Nurture aims to develop positive relationships, clear boundaries and regular communication. At Riverhead Infants’ School, we believe that all our pupils, staff, parents and visitors should feel happy, safe and valued.

We believe effective teaching and learning cannot take place without effective relationships and positive behaviour.

If you ever have concerns or questions, please speak to your child’s Class Teacher, our Nurture Lead (Mrs Puttock) or our SENCo (Mrs Clarke).