Promoting emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour through Nurture
Originally established by Nurture UK in 1969, the approach was introduced to Derbyshire in 1999, where it continues to support children with a variety of needs. Nurture UK celebrated 50 years of Nurture in 2019, demonstrating the continuing impact of this provision and has been positively recognised by Ofsted, and more recently mentioned in the Timpson Report 2019 and the Recovery Curriculum in 2020.
Who we are
The Derbyshire Nurture Team (DNT) is part of The Engagement Service. The team comprises of specialist Nurture trained teachers and teaching assistants with extensive skills and experience of working in Derbyshire schools and academies to promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
What we do
The Nurture Team provide an opportunity for children to experience a structured, supportive programme that helps develop early learning skills. The Nurture team works in schools directly with pupils, staff and parents to set up and run Nurture Groups.
A Nurture group is a small group of 6 to 10 children or young people usually based in a mainstream setting and staffed by a Nurture teacher and teaching assistant. The intervention is delivered in a Nurture room, providing a home-like atmosphere that fosters warmth, comfort, and security.
Children who will benefit from the Nurture approach
Children who would benefit from being in a Nurture group are identified jointly by school and DNT staff and present a range of needs that limit their progress in school. The identified pupils may have needs that range from those who struggle with classroom engagement, experience anxiety, lack of confidence or find it difficult to maintain friendships.
Key benefits
Increased Emotional Regulation/Security: Learn strategies to manage their feelings and emotions. Feel safe, valued and understood.
Enhanced Confidence: With consistent support, children feel more capable and secure in their abilities. Empowers children to overcome challenges and develop a growth mindset.
Engagement in Learning: Addressing emotional barriers, assist in increased focus, participation, and success in the classroom.
Encourages Attachment and Trust. Positive interactions with adults foster trust, which can reduce anxiety and support children who may have experienced trauma or instability.
The Nurture team can also offer consultation, advice and support to schools as part of the graduated response to identify, assess and meet the underlying Social, Emotion and Mental Health (SEMH) and behavioural needs of children and young people. Specific resources and training can also be offered to support the development of practice, including Boxall Profile which is a widely used assessment tool specially developed for Nurture Groups.
Make an Enquiry
If you would like to make an initial enquiry, please complete the Engagement Service Enquiry Form and a member of the Engagement Service will be in touch with you to discuss further.
Engagement Service Referrals
Please only complete the Derbyshire Engagement Service Pupil Referral form found in the related documents section of this page after consultation with The Engagement Service, and after the return of a completed, signed Service Level Agreement. Please follow the sending instructions provided on the form. The Derbyshire Engagement Team Referral Form should be returned via Perspective Lite with the code 'ENGAGE'.
All other referrals to Inclusion Support Advisory Service (ISAS) must be made using the form linked in their referrals page.