What is the Nurture Pathway?

We have 4 classes within the pathway and the children within these classes are all at very early stages of cognitive, physical, social and emotional development and are working within the Engagement Model. In addition, these pupils are likely to experience more significant difficulties with sensory processing as well as communication & language than pupils in other pathways. Most Nurture pupils will communicate non-verbally. 

Children working within the Engagement Model are pre subject specific learners and therefore we are focusing on developing the five key areas of Exploration, Realisation, Anticipation, Persistence and Initiation.  

Nurture children need more support to manage the demands of school life and so their learning programme will be predominantly emotional regulation and wellbeing (ER&W), communication, interaction and social skills (CISS) building.  

What does the curriculum look like?

We have refined the curriculum so that it is broken down into small steps and includes sensory stimulation and a child-centred personalised approach. Children have access to a wide range of strategies including Sensory Theatre and Sensory Number Songs and these have been planned using the Reggio Approach, where children are encouraged to be protagonists of their own learning. We also have three sessions a week where continuous provision is set up across three learning areas: a physical development and active area; a messy sensory play area; and, an immersive calming area. During continuous provision time, children and staff from all classrooms explore and interact together. This allows us to understand children’s preferred activities and special interests and build their tolerance for sharing space and resources, as well as spending time with a range of peers.

How is progress measured?

Staff will complete in the moment observations and video observations of children and use these to look for progress against the five areas of the Engagement Model. Children within the pathway will also continue to be assessed using the OPAL ladders linked to the AOLs Communication, Interaction and Social Skills, Emotional Regulation and Wellbeing, Independence and Life Skills and Physical Development.