Six Principles of Nurture

At The Echelford Primary School, we provide a nurturing and supportive learning environment by reinforcing positive nurturing attitudes towards children, their learning and any difficulties or needs. We do this through Nurture UK’s Six Principles of Nurture.

Here are some examples of how each principle looks at Echelford:

Children’s learning is understood developmentally

• Learning may be differentiated.

• Children’s social and emotional development is taken into account when responding to children and supporting them both in class and around school.

The school offers a safe base

• The learning environment is adapted to reduce anxiety and allow for opportunities to feel regulated and ready to learn.

• There are predictable routines in each classroom.

• Adults are consistent in the way they respond to children.

The importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing

• Children are valued and thought of as individuals.

• Emotion coaching is used to verbalise how children may be feeling and support them with this.

Language is a vital means of communication

• Children are encouraged to use language to share how they are feeling.

• Oracy is used in the classroom to encourage all children to share their views.

• Opportunities are created for extended discussion or to encourage imaginative play.

All behaviour is communication

• Staff are encouraged to be curious and consider what a child’s behaviour is trying to tell them.

• Adults show children that their feelings are being understood through the way they are behaving.

The importance of transition in children’s lives

• Key transitions are supported for children through booklets, social stories or check-ins with key adults.

• Changes in routine are carefully managed with preparation and support.

• Transitions between parts of the day are supported with whole class regulation opportunities.