Sandal Castle VA Community Primary School

Sandal Castle Primary we view Inclusion as :

·a sense of belonging

·feeling respected

·feeling valued for who you are

·feeling a level of supportive energy and commitment so that we can do our best.

These gifts underpin the inclusive curriculum we offer, linking directly with SMSC, PSHE, RE, British Values, Christian Values and our commitment to the equality duty objectives

Sparks Nurture Group

Nurture groups are founded on evidence-based practices and offer a short-term, inclusive, focused intervention that works in the long term. Nurture groups are classes of between six and 12 children or young people in early years, primary or secondary settings supported by the whole staff group and parents. Each group is run by two members of staff. Children attend nurture groups but remain an active part of their main class group, spend appropriate times within the nurture group according to their need and typically return full time to their own class within two to four terms. Nurture groups assess learning and social and emotional needs and give whatever help is needed to remove the barriers to learning. There is great emphasis on language development and communication. Nothing is taken for granted and everything is explained, supported by role modelling, demonstration and the use of gesture as appropriate. The relationship between the two staff, always nurturing and supportive, provides a role model that children observe and begin to copy. Food is shared at ‘breakfast’ or ‘snack time’ with much opportunity for social learning, helping children to attend to the needs of others, with time to listen and be listened to.

As the children learn academically and socially they develop confidence, become responsive to others, learn self-respect and take pride in behaving well and in achieving. Nurture groups have been working successfully for more than 40 years in the UK and now in other countries including Canada, New Zealand and Romania, and have been praised, supported and recommended by organisations such as Ofsted, Estyn and HMIE

The Six Principles of Nurture are:

1. Children's learning is understood developmentally

2. The classroom offers a safe base

3. The importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing

4. Language is a vital means of communication

5. All behaviour is communication

6. The importance of transition in children's lives

Nurture and Forest School

Huddersfield University Partnership Conference - 4th July 2018

Our fantastic Inclusion Team are leading workshops for delegates at the Partnership Matters Conference with Dame Alison Peacock (Chartered College of Teaching).

Partnership Matters Conference 4.7.18

Inclusion Quality Mark - Awarded May 2018 (re accreditation April 2019)

Our 20 page report reflects the highly inclusive, nurturing nature of our school. The following quotes highlight the quality and impact of our Nurture provision;

''Sandal Castle VA Community Primary School is a remarkable and highly inclusive school. Every adult sounded a passionate and determined attitude to supporting the children of the school. The school community faces many challenges and yet the school is one that supports, welcomes and helps every child to progress.

Books to celebrate kindness!!