Nurture Groups were first introduced into the Isle of Man in 2001 and from that time they have been highly effective in offering pro-active support to children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. 

A Nurture Group is a small supportive class that provides a secure, predictable environment. The differing developmental needs of each young person attending Nurture can be addressed with care and support. The Nurture Group is an in-school resource and the number of sessions attended per week may vary from child to child, depending on need. However, the consistent aim of all Nurture Groups is to return the children and young people back to full time mainstream settings as soon as the Nurture interventions have been effective.

Nurture Groups on the IOM

Nurture Groups now feature in ten of our Primary Schools and four of our Secondary Schools.

The Manx Nurture Group Network meets every term at one of the Nurture facilities. Best practice is exchanged and updates provided.

Several schools are preparing for the Boxall Quality Mark Award application with one school already achieving this Award in July 2008.

The six principles of Nurture provision are:

1. 1.the learning of young people is understood developmentally
   

2. 2.the classroom offers a safe base
   

3. 3.the importance of nurture in the development of self-esteem
   

4. 4.language as a vital means of communication
   

5. 5.that all behaviour is communication
   

6. 6.the importance of transition in young people’s lives
   

Partnership with Parents

To be successful, Nurture Groups must be integral parts of the whole school. Parental involvement is at the heart of Nurture and strong links between home and school are vital. Parents are always consulted before Nurture provision is introduced and contact is strong during a child’s placement in the Nurture Group. Parents are again consulted when successful progress earns a return to full time mainstream provision.

Training

The 4 day Certificate Course in the Theory and Practice of Nurture Group Work takes place in March and May 2009

Training for existing Nurture staff and Nurture Line managers is also available (see SEBD Training)

Marion Bennathan, author and founder of Nurture Network UK, will be joining Nurture staff at these training days.

nurture groups.org

The Secondary Boxall Profile

The Boxall Profile is a diagnostic instrument that helps assess children for Nurture Group support.

Schools and professionals in the Isle of Man have been central to the research project that will reproduce a version of the Boxall Profile for use with young people of Secondary age.

Nurture Group Guidelines and the BQM Application

Nurture Group Guidelines can be seen at IOM Nurture Group Guidelines 2009.pdf The Boxall Quality Mark Award criteria and application form can be downloaded here.