Nurture

We are proud to be taking part in the Nurturing Schools Programme.

We provide a nurturing environment in which the six principles of nurture are prevalent:

The Importance of transitions in children's lives

From the moment children first step into our school through either a taster day or an EYFS stay-and-play event, we recognise what a big step they are taking and do everything we can to ensure that they are positive experiences. Our free breakfast club ensures that every day the transition between home and lessons is gentle. We work incredibly hard to ensure our year 6 children feel ready to transition from our small setting to a large secondary school. 

All behaviour is communication

We seek to understand the root causes of behaviour and to provide the right support at the right time to help children learn to regulate their own behaviour. Our restorative behaviour policy has been refined to ensure that the two hands of caregiving (connection and correction) are in equal balance to ensure that children understand that they are cared for but also that they must follow our three rules: be ready, be safe and be kind. 

Language is a vital means of communication

Language acquisition is central to our work throughout Oakridge CP School. From nursery, we provide children with the language they need to share their feelings, their understanding and their hopes. We provide support for those children who need it and ensure that every child has a voice. 

Children's learning is understood developmentally

All children develop at their own pace. Our staff are adept at ensuring that our pupils can access our broad, relevant and exciting curriculum whether that be through adaptive teaching or providing appropriate support. We aim to support children to "keep up" but also provide intervention to "catch up". Where necessary, we provide individualised programmes of learning to ensure that all children make good or better progress from their starting points. 

The classroom offers a safe base

Our classroom environments are designed to feel calming and safe. Routines provide consistency, visual timetables support all children to know what is coming next. Every child has two trusted adults who check in with them in times of need and is always available for a chat. Every class has a "talking box" where children can share anything they want with their class teacher. 

The Importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing

From nurture groups, to events in the community, to family mental health awareness afternoons, Oakridge nurtures its pupils, its families, its staff and the wider community. The six principles of nurture live and breathe through our school.

We already pride ourselves on an inclusive and nurturing approach and look forward to developing our practice further as we continue on our nurture journey. Our school is well resourced with books, sensory objects, calm corners and much more to truly nurture our children and offer individualised support where needed.

We evaluate and are continuing to develop our practice across three key areas: stakeholders, delivery and leadership and management. We are working with a range of external agencies, including an Educational Psychologist, consultants from Nurture UK, and specialist staff from the coastal Opportunity Area, as well as liaising with colleagues from across YEAT school with the aim of being recognised by Nurture UK with the National Nurturing Schools Award by Easter 2025. 

Updates about our nurture journey will be posted on the school Facebook page and in our newsletters.

Image provided by Nurture UK.