At St Ann’s Heath Junior School, we are proud to be a part of Surrey Nurturing Schools Programme. Over the last two years we have been developing our nurturing approach which is based on Nurture UK’s Six Principles of Nurture. Nurture is a well-established, evidence-informed approach that supports children’s social, emotional and mental health, helping them to feel safe, confident and ready to learn.

For more information about nurture, please visit Nurture UK:
 https://www.nurtureuk.org

The Six Principles of Nurture

The Six Principles of Nurture were developed by educational experts and form the foundation of a whole-school nurturing approach.

1. Children’s learning is understood developmentally
2. The classroom offers a safe base
3. Nurture is important for the development of wellbeing
4. Language is a vital means of communication
5. All behaviour is communication
6. Transitions are important in children’s lives

What This Looks Like at St Ann’s Heath

1. Children’s learning is understood developmentally

We recognise that all children develop at different rates socially, emotionally and academically.

• Staff adapt expectations and support to meet children where they are
• Additional targeted support is available where needed
• We take a non-judgemental, relational approach to understanding each child

2. The classroom offers a safe base

Our classrooms are calm, predictable and welcoming environments.

• Clear routines and consistent expectations across the school
• Strong, positive relationships between adults and children
• Spaces and strategies to support regulation (e.g. quiet areas, check-ins)

3. Nurture is important for the development of wellbeing

We prioritise wellbeing alongside academic success.

• Daily opportunities for connection such as check-ins and circle times
• Celebration of effort and small successes
• A whole-school focus on emotional wellbeing and belonging

4. Language is a vital means of communication

We actively teach and model how to communicate feelings and needs.

• Use of emotion coaching and rich vocabulary for feelings
• Structured opportunities for children to talk and be listened to
• Support for children who find communication more challenging

5. All behaviour is communication

We understand that behaviour reflects underlying feelings or needs.

• A relational, restorative approach to behaviour
• Staff seek to understand why behaviour is happening
• Support is put in place to teach children more effective ways to communicate

6. Transitions are important in children’s lives

We recognise that change can be challenging for children.

• Careful planning and preparation for transitions (daily, weekly and long-term)
• Additional support for key transition points (e.g. new classes, moving schools)
• Consistent routines to help children feel secure

Our Whole-School Approach

At St Ann’s Heath, nurture is not a standalone intervention – it is embedded across the whole school. This means:

• Strong partnerships with parents and carers
• Consistent approaches used by all staff
• A shared commitment to relationships, respect and wellbeing
• A culture where every child feels safe, valued and understood

By embedding the Six Principles of Nurture, we ensure that all children are supported to thrive both emotionally and academically, giving them the best possible foundation for learning and life.