NURTURING SCHOOLSNURTURING SCHOOLSScottish GovernmentSchools DirectoratePositive Behaviour Team

Maureen FairgrieveGeorge Marcinkiewicz

What is a Nurture Group?What is a Nurture Group?A group of 6 to 12

young people mostly in a mainstream setting

Prime focus on social and emotional wellbeing needs

Principle 1Principle 1Children’s learning has to be

understood developmentally

Principle 2aPrinciple 2aChildren have to be assessedAgreed selection criteria

Principle 2bPrinciple 2bThey always remain part of their

own class and school and spend time there on a daily basis

Principle 3Principle 3

The set up is conducive to the replication of early experiences

Principle 4Principle 4

Staff work in a teamImportant to have a staff team of

two at all times

Principle 5Principle 5The room set up in

different areas is a bridge between home and school

Principle 6Principle 6

Snack time is an essential part of this experience

Sharing round the table builds social skills and competencies

Principle Principle 77

Building emotional literacy is an essential focus within the group

Principle 8Principle 8Skills are built formally and

informallyIt is essential to provide

stimulating opportunities for play as a basis for the development of social skills as well as the usual curriculum

Why this and why now?Why this and why now?An increasing number of young

children are finding it hard to fit in at the early stages, thus disrupting the learning of their peers

Increased levels of negative environmental factors

Mental health issues

Stress and CortisolStress and CortisolHigher cortisol levels can be

present pre-birthLevel Increases through stressCan transcend more than one

generationSome young people can be

permanently in a flight/ fight mode

Suitable for All Age Suitable for All Age Groups?Groups?Suitable for different age groupsVariety of ages can benefitEarly intervention is bestPrimary focus is Early StagesOlder young people can come as

supportive role models for younger ones