Nurture

WHAT IS NURTURE?

The nurture concept underscores the crucial role of social environments – emphasising the impact of one's companions rather than their birth circumstances – and how it profoundly shapes social-emotional skills, well-being, and behaviour. Research indicates that children and young individuals who have a positive beginning in life enjoy substantial advantages compared to those with disrupted or absent early attachments. They demonstrate better academic performance, regular attendance, establish more meaningful friendships, and are notably less prone to engaging in offenses or facing physical and mental health issues.

The nurturing approach provides various opportunities for children and young people to address the absence of early nurturing experiences, equipping them with the social and emotional skills necessary for academic success and positive interactions with peers. This approach also aids in the development of resilience, enabling them to navigate life's challenges with increased confidence, fostering lifelong well-being.

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT OFFERS A SAFE-BASE

At Kemnay Primary School, we prioritize the right of every child to feel safe and valued. Our nurture provision has evolved in response to the specific needs of our students over the past few years. We have dedicated spaces like the Rainbow Room, Nurture quiet room, and the tranquil nurture area 'Kitija's Garden.'

These areas serve as havens where children can seek support in regulating their emotions, navigate transitions, find a peaceful environment for tasks, or simply take the time they need to adjust and feel prepared for different parts of their day. Equipped with books aligned with our Health and Wellbeing curriculum, sensory resources, various activities, exercise equipment, fidget tools, play equipment, Decider Skill strategies, and other items, these spaces aid children in transitioning smoothly throughout the school day.

Our teaching and PSA (Pupil Support Assistant) staff are readily available to provide support and create a caring and secure environment. Children feel comfortable knowing that they can confide in us for any assistance they may require. We believe that establishing strong relationships and trust forms the foundation for effective communication among staff and pupils.

LANGUAGE IS A VITAL MEANS OF COMMUNICATION

To ensure consistency and smooth transitions, we have Visual Timetables employing the Widget system which we are building on to be in use through all stages. In cases where additional structure and assistance are required, individualised timetables are created for specific children. Daily visuals are prominently displayed to empower children in making independent choices for lunch, selecting resources and activities, and aiding in lesson instructions and tasks.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSITIONS IN CHILDREN'S LIVES

At Kemnay Primary School, we recognise the importance of supporting children through various transitions that occur at different stages of their lives. We understand that different transitions can pose challenges for children, and we are committed to providing the necessary support whenever it is needed.

Transitions may include moving into class after playtime or lunch, encountering a different teacher, adjustments to the timetable, or transitioning to new schools. Our Nurture staff collaborate with class teachers to offer support through diverse means, such as visual task plans, 'Decider Skills' strategies, sensory resources, dedicated desks, visual timetables, emotional toolkits, and social stories.

LEARNING IS UNDERSTOOD DEVELOPMENTALLY

At Kemnay Primary School, our approach to education revolves around recognising each child's unique position on their learning journey. Lessons and tasks are tailored to match the individual child's current level, providing appropriate support and structure. This support may come in the form of a Pupil Support Assistant (PSA), the use of visuals, task plans, or adherence to a more structured Independent Educational Plan (IEP), along with participation in Additional Support for Learning (ASL) programs. Children are referred to Nurture by their class teachers with parental consent.

Play is central to our educational philosophy at Kemnay Primary School, whether it occurs indoors or outdoors. Throughout the week, our students engage in various forms of play, fostering learning, exploration, and personal growth. This emphasis on play is evident in our Nurture program, where play, sensory activities, and developmentally appropriate tasks are utilised.

The Garden Club at Kemnay PS actively tends to the school allotment, cultivating and caring for plants and vegetables. In addition to horticultural activities, the club focuses on team-building and friendship exercises, contributing to the development of resilience and a growth mindset among the participating students.

ALL BEHAVIOUR IS COMMUNICATION

At Kemnay Primary School, we cater to a diverse range of needs, guided by our commitment to 'get it right for every child.' We firmly believe that all behaviour serves as a form of communication and actively encourage our students to express their thoughts and feelings using 'The Decider Skills.' It empowers them to choose appropriate strategies to cope with these emotions.

Our leadership team, class teachers, and Pupil Support Assistants engage with children, providing a dedicated space for them to share their thoughts and address any worries they may have in their lives. Pupil Support Assistants also schedule regular breaks, including trips to the hall or outdoor spaces, to support children's well-being.

As a staff, we collectively prioritise the emotional well-being of our pupils, recognising its paramount importance in fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment.

THE IMPORTANCE OF NURTURE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF WELLBEING

Nurturing serves as the cornerstone for cultivating the social and emotional well-being of our children, thereby enhancing their skills across various areas of the curriculum and shaping them into future confident, successful, contributing, and responsible adults. The past few years have provided numerous instances validating the effectiveness of this approach.

With the right support, time, and appropriate structures in place, children in the Kemnay Primary School environment can flourish. Our commitment extends to continuous staff training and the exploration of new ways to support our learners.

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