Character Curriculum: Nurture Group
At Bluecoat Primary Academy, we are dedicated to supporting the development of the whole child. Our character curriculum, which works hand-in-hand with our academic curriculum, provides the foundation for pupils to thrive not only academically but also socially, emotionally, and ethically.
A key element of our offer is the Nurture Group, particularly through the ENGAGE HUB programme, which plays an integral role in helping pupils build the key characteristics outlined in our character curriculum.
For some of our pupils, the Nurture Group offers a safe, supportive environment where they can develop the personal qualities and emotional resilience needed to succeed both in the classroom and beyond. This provision is not separate from the wider character development at Bluecoat Primary Academy but works alongside it, ensuring that every child is able to STRIVE—our guiding ethos for fostering well-rounded individuals ready to take their place in the world.
What is the a Nurture Group: The Engage Hub
The Nurture Group’s focus on character development is not only about supporting children in a withdrawal setting, but it is also about ensuring that the skills and traits they develop in the ENGAGE HUB are transferred to the wider school environment. Some children attend the Nurture Group in the afternoons while continuing to participate in mainstream classes in the mornings. This integrated approach enables them to apply what they have learned in the Nurture Group to the broader curriculum and social contexts of their mainstream classrooms.
The Purpose of The Engage Hub Nurture Group
The Engage Hub aims to offer a safe, calm, and nurturing environment where children can develop emotional, social, and cognitive skills. The group supports children who face emotional or behavioural challenges, helping them build self-esteem, resilience, and the ability to manage their emotions.
Aims and Objectives of the Nurture Group
The Six Principles of Nurture
Each principle is integral to creating a nurturing environment that promotes the overall well-being of children.
The Engage Hub Structure and Environment
Nurture Group Timetable
The Engage Hub sessions are designed to balance structured activities with opportunities for independent play and reflection, fostering both social and emotional learning.
The Engage Hub Environment
The environment is divided into six distinct areas, each catering to different aspects of emotional, social, and physical development: Writing Area, Mathematics Area, Art Area, Snack Area, Construction Area, Comfy Area and Quiet Area.
Staffing and Roles
The Engage Hub is staffed by a Nurture Group Lead and two Teaching Assistant. Both staff members have received specialised training to ensure they support the children effectively, using principles from the Boxall Profile.
Curriculum and Learning
Personalised Learning Pathways: The Boxall Profile
The curriculum in The Engage Hub is personalised to meet the individual emotional and social needs of each child. Activities are designed to be engaging, helping children develop the skills they need to integrate into the wider school environment.
The Boxall Profile: Understanding and Supporting Children’s Development
The Boxall Profile is a widely used assessment tool designed to support the identification of children’s social, emotional, and behavioural needs, particularly those who may require additional support, such as those in nurture groups. It is a comprehensive tool that enables staff to gain a deeper understanding of a child’s emotional and developmental profile, helping to inform targeted interventions.
What is the Boxall Profile?
Developed by the Boxall Centre at the University of East London, the Boxall Profile consists of two main sections:
- The Developmental Profile – This part of the assessment focuses on a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development, comparing them against age-appropriate norms. It helps identify any developmental delays or difficulties in key areas such as self-regulation, relationships with peers and adults, and problem-solving skills.
- The Diagnostic Profile – This section offers a more in-depth look at specific behavioural difficulties or emotional challenges the child may face, such as anxiety, attachment issues, or difficulties with communication and social interaction.
The assessment is typically completed by school staff (e.g., the nurture group lead, class teacher, and support staff), in collaboration with parents or carers, who provide additional insights into the child’s behaviours and emotional well-being at home.
Utilising the Boxall Profile in Nurture Groups
The Boxall Profile is central to the work of nurture groups. It not only helps identify the specific emotional and social needs of each child but also informs the group’s overall approach to care and support. Within the nurture group setting:
- Personalized Support: Staff use the Boxall Profile to tailor support and interventions for each child, ensuring they receive the right type of nurturing care based on their developmental stage and emotional needs.
- Monitoring Emotional Growth: The profile helps track a child’s emotional development, identifying areas where progress is being made and where further support is needed. This ongoing assessment helps to build a sense of achievement for both the child and the staff.
- Fostering Emotional Literacy: The profile highlights key areas such as self-regulation, emotional expression, and interpersonal skills, which are often targeted through nurture group activities. This allows staff to focus on developing emotional literacy and self-awareness in a structured and supportive environment.
The BPA Way to Nurture Group: The Engage Hub
For further information, please read the following framework below.
