Developing a Nurturing School

Charlotte Kidd

Gillian Dury

Aims of Session

For you to :

Consider local and national evidence for nurturing approaches

Be introduced to nurturing theories and principles and explore why these are important

Have the opportunity to reflect on what a nurturing school looks like and consider the implications for your practice

Why take a nurturing approach?

Evidence of effectiveness of nurture groups:

– Nationally…

– In East Dunbartonshire

– In West Dunbartonshire

– In Glasgow schools

Evidence for whole school nurturing approaches

Impact on Teachers

Impact on Head Teachers

Impact on Pupils

Principles of a nurturing environment

Children’s learning is understood developmentally

The classroom offers a safe base The importance of nurture for the development of

self-esteem The importance of transition in children’s lives Language as a vital means of communication All behaviour is a communication

Theories underpinning this approach

Attachment theory and secure relationships

Resilience

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Eco-systemic perspective

Attachment Theory and Secure relationships

The quality of early attachment is thought to impact on an individual’s self-concept and relationships with others.

Through interactions with significant others, a young child begins to learn how to attain age appropriate behaviours, developing an increasing self-awareness of their environment

Erickson’s Psychological Stages

Development is a life long process Emphasises the role of socialisation 8 psychosocial stages – described by

opposing characteristics Erickson states that it is possible to make

up for unsatisfactory early experiences at a later stage

The notion of resilience

The capacity to do well despite adverse experience.

To “bounce back” having endured adversity

“A sensitively laid out and consistently managed … classroom and a warm relationship with a responsive teacher may do more for a child’s craving for a secure base than elaborate efforts around engaging in weekly one hour sessions of therapy”

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Self Actualisation

Cognitive

Esteem

Love, Belonging

Safety Needs

Physical Needs

Eco-Systemic perspective – understanding thoughts, feelings and behaviour

Events cannot be considered in isolation from their context

Behaviour is a result of person-situation interactions

We evaluate situations differently depending on our perceptions and feelings

Eco- Systemic Perspective

Spheres of InfluenceWider world

Community

Home

School

Class

Child’s

perceptions

CoH

S

Cl C

w

Some psychological thinking about behaviour

Behaviour is learned in social situations

We tend to repeat behaviours that are useful in getting our wants/needs met

Behaviour needs to be/can be taught

Behaviour can be changed

The only behaviour we can be fully in control of is our own.

Cycle of Emotions

5 Key Messages about Behaviour

Behaviour is communication

What lies ‘beneath’ the presenting behaviour?

Adults are ‘detectives’ or ‘problem solvers’

Behaviour is the interaction between people and the environment

Feeling, Thinking and Behaving are interconnected - for both children and adults.

Growing nurturing classrooms - part of the process of growing a nurturing school

Takes an holistic approach to education Sees emotional well-being as central to the

developmental and mental health needs of its pupils Sees emotional well-being as central to the

effectiveness of teaching and learning Uses a common framework for thinking about the

emotional development of its pupils Takes account of Maslow's theory 'Hierarchy of

Needs'

Secondary Nurture

Takes account of teenage life experiences

Self-image and peer relationships

Reported successes – bereavement, loss and trauma

Low key introduction and build up of credibility

Colley (2009)

Secondary Nurture

Takes account of teenage life experiences

Self-image and peer relationships

Reported successes – bereavement, loss and trauma

Low key introduction and build up of credibility

Colley (2010)

So what does a nurturing

school look like?

What does a nurturing school look like?

Relationships

Teaching & learning

Behaviour

Physical environment

School organisation

Partnership working

Fostering resilience

Leadership

Staff Style/ approach

Morale

Discussion Activity:

In small groups, pick one of these themes and discuss ways of making your own classroom more nurturing.