What is the Halswell School Nurture Room?

Our Nurture Room is a dedicated, home-like space within the school designed to help children feel safe, secure, and supported. It is thoughtfully arranged to feel different from a regular classroom, with a variety of areas for both relaxation and collaborative learning. This environment aims to bridge the gap between home and school, providing a consistent and predictable routine that helps children feel settled and understood. The room includes comfortable seating, areas for shared snacks, and spaces for group activities, all of which are designed to support a child’s emotional and social growth.

What is the philosophy behind Nurture Groups?

Nurture Groups are an evidence-based, short-term intervention designed to remove barriers to learning for children who are facing social, emotional, or behavioural challenges. The core philosophy is based on the understanding that children learn most effectively when they feel emotionally secure, have good self-esteem, and feel a sense of belonging. The Nurture Room provides this vital, supportive environment, allowing children to revisit early learning skills and significantly boost their social and emotional development.

Nurture Groups are  guided by the Six Principles of Nurture which recognise that:

  • A child’s learning is understood developmentally.
  • The classroom offers a safe base.
  • Nurture is vital for the development of wellbeing.
  • Language is a key means of communication.
  • All behavior is a form of communication.
  • Transitions are an important part of a child’s life.

How are children selected for the Nurture Group?

Children are identified for the Nurture Group based on observations by their teachers and other relevant  leadership staff. This may include:

  • Social Challenges: Difficulties with friendships or sharing.
  • Emotional Regulation: Withdrawn behavior, low self-esteem, or challenging behavior.
  • Life Events: The impact of trauma or significant life events.
  • School Routines: Difficulties with listening, participation, or new routines.

If your child is identified as potentially benefiting from the group, you will receive a phone call asking for verbal permission for you child to participate.

What are the benefits for children who attend a Nurture Group?

Research shows that Nurture Groups have a significant positive impact on children’s social and emotional wellbeing.  By participating in the group, children often demonstrate improvements in:

  • Emotional Wellbeing: Increased confidence, self-esteem, and resilience.
  • Classroom Readiness: Better ability to settle into tasks, listen, and concentrate.
  • Social Development: Improved skills in sharing, turn-taking, and building friendships.
  • Relationships: More positive relationships with teachers, caregivers, and other adults.

Overall Engagement: Improved behaviour and school attendance, which can help to reduce the risk of exclusions.

What is a typical session in the Nurture Room?

A typical session is structured, predictable, and consistent, providing a sense of safety and security for the children. All activities are child-focused and are tailored to meet the specific needs of the children in that particular group. A session will often include a balance of:

  • Group Activities: Opportunities for listening, speaking, and social skills practice.
  • Circle Time sessions and shared play.
  • Mindfulness: Activities designed to help children become more aware of their emotions and learn strategies to self-regulate.
  • Collaborative Work: Focused group activities that encourage cooperation and communication.
  • Snack Time: A shared snack is a key part of the routine, creating a relaxed, social atmosphere that promotes conversation and strengthens relationships.

Who runs the Nurture Groups?

Canny Gaffney, our Nurture Lead at Halswell brings over 20 years of experience in pastoral care interventions.

Will I get regular updates on my child’s progress?

A strong connection with parents and caregivers is vital for every child’s success. Canny Gaffney, our Nurture Lead, will communicate with you via email or phone calls. At times we may also invite a parent to school. Parents and Caregivers will also get opportunities to visit the Nurture Room.