Nurture Provision at Gastrells Primary School
At Gastrells Primary School, our Nurture Provision provides short-term, focused support for children who may experience social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties that are creating barriers to learning within their mainstream class.
We run Nurture Groups for both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, alongside our BAM (Boys’ Advocacy and Mentoring) and GAM (Girls’ Advocacy and Mentoring) groups in Key Stage 2. These programmes help children to develop confidence, resilience, and positive relationships — essential foundations for success in learning and life.
Who is it for?
Our Nurture Groups are designed for children who would benefit from extra help with their social, emotional, or behavioural development.
Access is based on an in-school referral and a detailed assessment using the Boxall Profile®, which helps us identify each child’s specific needs and areas for support.
Who runs the Nurture Groups?
Our Nurture Groups are led by the SENDCo, Mrs Fiona Radway, and Teaching Assistant, Mrs Diane Cook, who work closely with class teachers to ensure a consistent approach between the Nurture Room and the classroom.
Children remain part of the Nurture Group for as long as needed — typically two to four short terms — until they are ready to reintegrate fully into their mainstream class.
When and where does it take place?
The Nurture Group runs for four afternoon sessions per week in our dedicated space known as the ‘Pigeon Loft’.
Sessions are carefully planned and include regular assessment and feedback to class teachers during staff meetings.
Our approach helps children build self-esteem, confidence, and positive attitudes to learning, ensuring they can access the curriculum and thrive in school life.
What happens in Nurture Group sessions?
Each session begins with a warm welcome and a “feelings check-in,” followed by structured activities designed to support emotional development, social skills, and communication.
Sharing food is an important part of our sessions. Children and adults sit together to prepare and share snacks, modelling good manners, turn-taking, and social interaction. Sessions end with reflection time and a story, helping children transition calmly back to class.
The Six Principles of Nurture Groups
Activities may include:
- Children’s learning is understood developmentally.
- The classroom offers a safe base.
- Language is a key means of communication.
- Nurture is vital for the development of self-esteem.
- All behaviour is communication.
- Transitions are significant in the lives of children.
Parental and Carer Involvement
We believe that strong home-school partnerships are essential. Parents and carers are encouraged to take part and share in their child’s learning journey, ensuring consistent support both at home and in school.
Nurture Groups are widely supported and recommended by organisations such as Ofsted, Estyn, and HMIE as an effective approach to supporting children’s social and emotional development
ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)
The ELSA programme is a national initiative designed to help schools support the social, emotional, and mental health needs of their pupils.
Developed by educational psychologists, ELSA training builds a school’s capacity to provide emotional support within its own setting, helping children develop skills in emotional regulation, resilience, and social interaction.
How does ELSA benefit our pupils?
Children learn best — and feel happiest — when their emotional needs are recognised and supported. Schools across the UK have found that ELSA programmes have a significant positive impact on children’s wellbeing, confidence, and ability to manage school life — both socially and academically.
At Gastrells, we are proud to be part of this initiative. Mrs Cook and Mrs West are completing their ELSA training through Gloucestershire County Council, and we look forward to welcoming children to the programme as we launch it this term.
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