Six Principles of Nurture

1. Children’s learning is understood developmentally

Children are at different stages of development – socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually – and need to be responded to at their developmental level in each of these areas.

2. The classroom offers a safe base

A classroom environment is inviting and nurturing for all. The classroom offers a balance of educational and social, emotional and mental health experiences aimed at supporting the development of children’s relationships with each other and with staff. 

Where possible, predictable routines are explained and practised, and there are clear expectations and positive models of how all adults in school relate to children.

3. The importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing

Nurture involves listening and responding; everything is verbalised with an emphasis on the adults engaging with pupils in reciprocal shared activities. Children respond to being valued and thought about as individuals. 

4. Language is a vital means of communication

It is important for children and young people to be able to understand and express their thoughts and feelings. . Comunication enables words to be used instead of actions to express feelings, and imaginative play can be used to help children understand the feelings of others. Children are taught to recognise emotions and name them through the zones of regulation. 

5. All behaviour is communication

People communicate through behaviour. It is the adult’s role to help children and young people to understand their feelings, express their needs appropriately.  Outward behaviour is often the ‘tip of the iceberg’, and so it is important to consider the immediate environment and what occurred just before the incident happened. . Children and young people need to be encouraged to reflect on their behaviour and to 'put it right' in a calm area, allowing students to recognise potential triggers and anxieties that could be avoided or reduced. 

6. The importance of transitions in children’s lives

Children and young people experience many transitions throughout their lives, and on a daily basis; transitions from home to school, between classes and teachers, from breaktime to lessons, or moving from primary to secondary school. Changes in routine are invariably difficult for vulnerable children and young people, and school staff need to help the child to transition with carefully managed preparation and support.  

The Power Of 5

Remember our 'Power of 5' strategy - empowering children to deal with conflict

Feeling worried?

If you are worried, in danger or just need someone to talk to, there is someone available day and night at Childline.

Phone 0800 1111

It’s free and won’t show on your phone bill.

There are also lots of good ideas, games and advice on their website.

Click the weblink:  www.childline.org.uk

Remember, the very best thing that you can do with a worry is to talk to someone you trust!

Tell a grown, tell a friend or pop it in your class worry box.

Remember: The adults at school care about you! 

If you have a worry, we want to help!

5 Ways to Wellbeing

In school we learn about Mind’s 5 Ways to Wellbeing.

These are the 5 areas that you can focus on to help improve your own wellbeing.

What can you remember about each one?

Click here to see our assembly presentation and refresh your memory.

Click here to download a challenge sheet to try at home.

As well as ’Be Active,’  it’s very important that we also give our bodies plenty of sleep, lots of water and a healthy balanced diet to keep healthy and strong. But you already knew that!