Pastoral Care
Nurture Group at Newton Westpark
What is the purpose of a Nurture Group?
Our Nurture Group is a small class of pupils. The Nurture Group continues the ethos of an already nurturing environment within Newton Westpark and provides inclusion for all children promoting Personal, Social & Health Education.
Children are supported to improve their emotional well-being, self-esteem and have a sense of belonging to the school community.
We provide a structured routine with clear boundaries so the children feel safe and secure.
We follow the six principles of the Nurture Network.
The Nurture Group Principles:
1. Children’s learning is understood developmentally (stage not age)
2. The classroom/school offers a safe base
3. Nurture is important for the development of self-esteem
4. Language is understood as a vital means of communication
5. All behaviour is communication
6. Transitions are significant in the lives of children
Reasons children might attend a Nurture Group
• Low self-esteem
• They find it hard to listen to others or join in
• Family illness or break up
• Bereavement
• They find it hard to share and take turns
• They find it hard to settle into class
• Friendship difficulties - keeping/making friends
• They find it hard to accept losing a game
• They may be quiet, shy and withdrawn
A teacher might identify a child with any of the above needs. A discussion would then take place with the Headteacher, SENCO and Nurture staff. A Boxall Profile will be completed to identify possible areas of which a child might need support.
USEFUL LINKS
- Buds - (bereavement support group for children) - Telephone: 01942 867888, e-mail: emilyellarby@wiganfamilywelfare.co.uk
- WFW (Wigan Family Welfare) - Help in dfealing with loss, anger etc. www.wiganfamilywelfare.co.uk
- Embrace – Support for parents of children with Special Educational Need or Learning Disability - Telephone: 01942 233323 www.embracewiganandleigh.org.uk
- Scope – Supporting parents of disabled children) Telephone 0808 800 3333. www.scope.org.uk
- Wigan Council Family Information Service – Health services, leisure and family activities (local). www.wiganfis.org.uk
- Young Minds – Behaviour problems Telephone 0808 802 5544 www.youngminds.org.uk/parents