A North Yorkshire primary school where a “caring and supportive environment” has been created for children to overcome barriers in learning has won a national award.
Pupils and staff at Pickering Community Junior School are delighted to have been accredited as a National Nurture School by Nurture UK after embedding opportunities in their provision to supporting the social, emotional and behavioural needs of its children and building resilience in their characters.
Nurture UK provides schools with effective strategies to embed the six principles of nurture which include children’s learning is understood developmentally; the classroom offers a safe base; the importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing; language is a vital means of communication; all behaviour is communication and the importance of transitions in children’s lives.
The recognition is a “testament of the hard work” of the school’s supportive community and its clear focus on wellbeing for children and staff, according to headteacher Michaela De Barr.
Assessors said an environment has been created that reflects the care which children are provided with and includes nurturing spaces such as a cookery cabin, the reading den, the rainbow room and a forest school area.
Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “A nurturing environment helps every child feel valued and supported. This is about promoting kindness, developing a sense of community and encouraging friendship.
“My congratulations to everyone at Pickering Community Junior School for their support in giving the young people the opportunity to be the best they can be.”
The school’s latest Ofsted inspection in March last year also recognised the emphasis that the educational establishment places on creating a positive culture. At the time of the inspection, it was noted that “pupils see themselves as valued, active participants in creating the school’s positive culture and in solving any problems that may arise”.
Michaela said: “It is a real testament to the hard work that goes on in our school every single day and the commitment that the staff have to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our pupils.
“We are delighted that our nurturing ethos has been recognised at a national level and I would like to thank our staff, governors, parents, carers and children for the team effort.”
Nurture UK has been championing inclusion for more than 50 years and its work has made a positive difference in thousands of schools across the UK.
Pickering Community Junior School’s special educational needs and disabilities co-ordinator (SENDCo) and nurture lead, Mrs Caroline Watson, added: “Wellbeing is so important to everyone in our school community. We regularly work with local community groups which is a real strength of our school.”
Member for Pickering, Cllr Joy Andrews, said: “This award recognises the dedication and hard work of the staff in creating a school where children feel looked after, valued, understood and empowered to reach their true potential. Well done to everyone at Pickering Community Junior School.”