Nurtureuk

27/08/2026

A classroom is so much more than a physical space for learning. Have you started thinking about creating a nurturing environment for the new school year?

🖼️ Wall displays. Positive affirmations should be displayed in the classroom and referred to regularly. Showcase good work – aim for each child to have at least one piece displayed and named after the first couple weeks. A noticeboard is a good idea for each classroom with letters, key information, names and grouping, etc.

📚 Classroom areas. Do you have a "calm corner" or "nurture nook" for pupils to take some time out and regulate? A writing area and a reading area can also be great additions if you have the space.

🪀 Resources. We like sensory materials, soft cushions and blankets, perhaps a worry box. Ensure they cover a range of resources with kinaesthetic, visual, auditory, and SEN equipment. Match the stage not age.

🌀 Transition support. Class welcome information booklet, pupil passports, info on each pupil, seating plans, and personal targets can all help provide consistent tailored support.

Would a nurture classroom checklist be helpful?

25/08/2026

"At our school, we recognise that nurture plays a vital role in supporting the wellbeing, emotional development, and overall success of both pupils and staff." - Nurture Lead

Congratulations St Mark and All Saints primary school on receiving your National Nurturing Schools Award 👏

Our assessor was particularly impressed with the Surrey school's embrace of the Boxall Profile® Online. They started with assessing children with the highest need, and now assess every single pupil to make sure they don't miss anything. This way, they demonstrate their commitment to early identification, putting support in place for pupils even before difficulties become visibly apparent. The tool has also helped them elevate their universal provision, using strategies from the BPO across whole classes so all children benefit, and the stigma of additional needs is reduced.

One staff member shared, "It is actually really reassuring to have the tool. I like its robust and rigorous approach, especially from a SENDCO perspective."

24/08/2026

Talking with Oakridge teachers about transitions! We loved talking to these two incredibly passionate teachers last year about nurture ❤️

School transitions
Back to school
Soft starts
Brain break
Primary to secondary
School routine

20/08/2026

"My daughter, Phoebe, transitioned to a home education half way through year 9...

Phoebe describes her primary school experience as nurturing, personalised and engaging. She felt safe, like she belonged. Secondary school could not have been more different. She never really felt safe from day one. She felt overwhelmed, alone and misunderstood – often being told her behaviour was unnecessary and that she was being ‘dramatic’ when wanting to leave the busy classroom or needing to find a quiet space."

💬 One parent's story, featured in our latest newsletter. Make sure you're signed up:

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17/08/2026

Say it together now: hi Claire! 👋

Claire is one of our brilliant nurture trainers. Her September courses are sold out now but there’s still space throughout October and November ✨

17/08/2026

PM: "Britain will value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap" 👷

Schools across England are being told to adapt their curriculums to include technical and vocational studies. This school in Stockport is ahead of the game!

Broadstones School offer courses in construction, bicycle maintenance, music, business, and hair & beauty with their on-site hair salon 💇‍♀️ As well as boosting employability, their courses support pupil confidence and self esteem.

The nurturing ethos runs strong through Broadstones School.

12/08/2026

"My child trusts them." – parent voice 🥹❤️

Marston Green Infants Academy in Solihull were awarded our National Nurturing Schools Award in 2025. A standout from this school was how enthusiastic the parents were about their inclusive approach.

Parents told us that staff really understand the stage that their child is at and use adaptive teaching to allow children to “work at their own level”. Particularly powerful testimony was shared by a parent whose child had experienced difficulties attending school.

The parent explained that staff supported a phased reintegration and allowed her to remain nearby during a particularly difficult period in case she was needed. She said, "we've come through it with the help of the school."

Nurture 🤝 parent and carer engagement

Marston Green Infant Academy 👏

10/08/2026

Inclusion in schools is not in opposition to attainment in schools. Don't let anyone tell you that nurture is a "soft" approach. Nurture can be the key to breaking down those barriers to learning.

06/08/2026

🗯️🧑 "Thank you very much. I really enjoyed the course...

I think the single biggest impact is there are now more people 'on the same page' within the school. As more people adopt the Nurture approach, there's a continuity of provision that
perhaps wasn't there before, and a better understanding of why certain things are being done."

Learn more: https://www.nurtureuk.org/training-and-events/the-theory-and-practice-of-nurture-groups/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=products_july

04/08/2026

👦 Mason* is in reception. He has poor attendance and a known difficult home life.

🏡 His parent was in an abusive relationship and they were moved to temporary accommodation. Both these factors weighed heavily on his school attendance.

🧑‍🏫 Mason's school completed a Boxall Profile® assessment on him which identified “low scores
in all areas” and a lack of consistent routine.

Mason was referred for external support and access to breakfast and after school clubs. Nurturing interventions were put in place in school to support consistency and routine such as a “now and next board." An adult learning partner in play was assigned to Mason to develop a strong and trusted relationship. Bucket time and sand play were also introduced.

🌟 Since implementing these interventions, Mason has made real progress. He is attending school more regularly and accessing appropriate interventions in class and with the pastoral team.

Early identification of needs is key for children like Mason who need school to be their safe space.

*Name changed and all photos representational only