Nurture at Blean Primary School

At Blean, we are proud to announce that we are on an exciting journey to achieve the National Nurturing Schools Award in 2025. Facilitated by Nurture UK, the award reflects our commitment to supporting the emotional well-being and development of every child, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.

Our approach to nurture is guided by Nurture UK’s ‘Six Principles of Nurture’, which form the foundation of our whole school nurturing approach. These principles help us create a supportive, inclusive environment where every child can thrive. Below, we explain these principles and how they are embedded into our school culture.

The Six Principles of Nurture

1. Children’s learning is understood developmentally

Every child is unique, and their learning journey is different. We take time to understand each child’s developmental stage, tailoring our teaching approaches and interventions to meet their individual needs. This ensures that every child has the support they need to achieve their full potential.

2. The classroom offers a safe base

Our classrooms are warm, welcoming, and predictable spaces where children feel safe and secure. We foster a sense of belonging by creating clear routines and strong, trusting relationships between staff and pupils.

3. The importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing

We know that children’s emotional health is the foundation of their ability to learn and grow. Through nurture, we help children build self-esteem, resilience and confidence, equipping them to manage challenges and develop positive relationships.

4. Language is a vital means of communication

At Blean, we actively encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings. Our staff model positive communication, helping pupils to develop the skills they need to articulate their needs and emotions effectively.

5. All behaviour is communication

We believe that behaviour reflects underlying needs and emotions. Rather than focusing solely on outcomes, we seek to understand the reasons behind behaviours. This enables us to provide tailored support and teach strategies to help children regulate their emotions.

6. The importance of transition in children’s lives

Change can be challenging for children, but it also offers opportunities for growth. We prepare and support pupils through transitions—whether they are moving year groups, schools, or facing changes in their personal lives—helping them feel secure and ready to embrace new experiences.

Our Nurture Journey

In line with these principles, we have developed over time a range of nurture-based approaches and initiatives to ensure our school is a place where every child feels valued and supported.

Some of these include:

• The development of our dedicated nurture provision Evergreens for targeted children, offering additional support.
• Staff training to embed nurturing practices across all classrooms, including the use of the Boxall Profile® Online to provide insight developmentally to support pupils.
• Whole-school initiatives focused on emotional well-being and resilience such as use of the Zones of Regulation.
• An established wellbeing offer which includes pupils, families and staff as we value the importance of wellbeing for all.
• A therapeutic approach to classroom design.
• Jigsaw PSHE
• Forest School
• Our curriculum which is values led and developed over time to provide pupils with ‘REAL’ learning opportunities.

As we work towards achieving the National Nurturing Schools Award in 2025, we will continue to strengthen our provision, reflecting on our practices and involving our whole school community in this journey.

Join Us on This Journey

We invite parents, carers, and the wider community to be part of our nurturing journey. Together, we can create a supportive environment that empowers every child to succeed, both academically and emotionally.

For more information about nurture and our ongoing work, please contact senco@blean.kent.sch.uk