Today we were overjoyed to be officially presented with the Nurture UK National Nurturing Schools Award.

Mr Pengelly head of Education Authority was the special guest in attendance; Mr Sean Irving Head of Nurturing Support Services , Ms Helen Stewart our EA Nurture Link Officer were also in attendance alongside our Chair & Vice Chair of governors Ms Noreen Meehan & Mr Jack Manley and Ms Wendy Rowden from Nurtureuk.

The award is evidence of a school’s success in implementing and embedding an outstanding nurturing culture that responds to the social, emotional, and mental health needs of its pupils, alongside their academic studies.

Over the last 13 years the addition of Nurture to our school has been a key component of growth and improvement for our school in 5 key ways…

1- Emotional & Behavioural Development: The standard of emotional regulation, behaviour, social skills and overall, very positive interactions across the school is at a very high level. Our outlook on discipline/positive behaviour is in tune with the children’s need and in line with ever changing societal demands.

2- Academic Progress: By creating a supportive and secure environment, nurturing approaches are removing barriers to learning, leading to improved academic performance from our pupils as demonstrated by testing and greater engagement in school activities.

3- Staff Wellbeing and Job Satisfaction: There is positive and inclusive school culture. Teachers/assistants feel supported and better equipped to handle diverse student needs.
 
4- Parental Involvement: Nurturing approaches have encouraged greater parental engagement and improved relationships with parents, which has been very helpful in supporting children's learning and development at home. We are not a hard to reach school for our parents and family members.
 
5- Long-term Benefits: It is very clear that the positive impacts of nurturing approaches will extend long beyond primary school, helping our children develop resilience and a strong foundation for future learning and personal growth. From an organisational point of view our enrolment has doubled, we have had several hugely positive inspections/pilot inspections, and the profile of the school continues to grow.

Receiving the National Nurturing Schools Award is not just a recognition of our past efforts, but a commitment to the future. It reminds us of the importance of continuing to nurture and support our students, helping them grow not only academically but also emotionally and socially.
Thank you to all our school community for supporting and embracing our nurturing culture and a special mention to our Nurture Class Staff who have run our intervention so brilliantly over the years; Ms McCaughey, Ms Mussen, Ms Rooney, Ms Mazarire, Ms Oakes & Ms Mageean.