The Nurture Group is a specialist classroom aimed to meet the needs of developmentally at-risk students in Years 1 and 2. This school-based intervention is grounded in Bowlby’s attachment theory, and provides an opportunity for students to re-engage with early learning experiences in a safe and supportive environment. It is targeted at children who have shown difficulties coping in mainstream classes and may be at risk of underachievement.
Nurture Groups are underpinned by six core principles:
- Children’s learning is understood developmentally.
- The classroom offers a safe base.
- Nurture is important for the development of self-esteem.
- Language is understood as a vital means of communication.
- All behaviour is communication.
- Transitions are significant in the lives of children.
The Nurture Group classroom presents as a ‘hybrid’ of home and school, with a comfortable seating area, a kitchen facility for preparing food, play-based learning centres and a work area to address formal curriculum demands. A range of activities are undertaken to help students form positive relationships, communicate effectively, grow in confidence, make positive behaviour choices and develop healthy self-esteem. These might involve circle time, social-emotional literacy sessions, turn-taking games, group activities, formal curriculum tasks, play-based learning or the nurture ‘breakfast’. The Nurture Group ideally helps students find their unique strengths, and equips them with the skills to successfully engage in their schooling.