The National Nurturing Schools Programme has been commissioned by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council as part of their ‘Delivering Better Value in SEND’ initiative. The aim of the programme is to improve whole school approaches to social, emotional and mental health needs, with a specific focus on improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Coppice Academy is now one year into this 18month programme, and we are striving to become a ‘Nurture Accredited School.’

What is Nurture?

Nurture is a tried and tested way of relating to children that helps them develop vital social skills, confidence and self-esteem, and become ready to learn. Research clearly demonstrates that a nurturing approach supports the development of positive relationships which are central to both learning and wellbeing. In addition, the approach is underpinned by quality first teaching, and is most effective when it is used as a whole school approach, and by building nurture into our school ethos, it helps pupils to develop the social skills they need to thrive, and the confidence and resilience to deal with what life throws at them, at school, and for the rest of their lives.

What are the Principles of Nurture?

 

At Coppice Academy, we foster the 6 Principles of Nurture by: -

Providing a welcoming, safe environment with an ethos which promotes warmth and emotional safety as well as physical safety. We ensure that all classrooms have visual timetables, providing structure and stability for our children; all classes follow Zones of Regulation - teaching children that all emotions are valid and how to manage tricky feelings and emotions; and we promote a growth mind-set approach to learning.

Using nurturing relationships to support the development of resilience in everyone. We pride ourselves at Coppice Academy for the positive relationships that we have with our children, parents and carers. Our pastoral provision is available for pupils who require extra support around: friendships, social skills, bereavement, anxiety, and general chat time needed with our Family Support Worker or Peer Mediators. We also provide support for parents through our regular Parent/Carer Voice coffee mornings and workshops.

Understanding that the language we use when communicating with our children can shape thinking, feeling and subsequent behaviours. We make sure that we listen to and validate the emotions of others; helping to make others feel heard, valued, safe and secure.

We recognise the importance of how day-to-day transitions are managed, as well as careful preparation for more significant challenges and events. Transitions can be difficult because they involve change and can cause anxiety. We want children to be ready and prepared for these transitions.

We understand that children learn in different ways and at different paces. At Coppice Academy we adapt teaching and learning to suit our pupils at different stages of their development through adapted resources, questioning and in-class adult support.

We consider what behaviour is trying to tell us, as we know that all behaviour is communication. It is important to look deep into the behaviours being displayed and identify solutions to overcome these.

We regularly discuss the 6 Principles of Nurture through whole school Nurture assemblies each week, where the children will be able to make these links to their life at Coppice Academy. For more information around Nurture, you can access their website using the link https://www.nurtureuk.org/