Nurture

At Ribbon Academy, we recognise that children learn best when they feel safe, supported and emotionally secure. We are committed to providing a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, understood and ready to learn. Our nurture provision supports children who may benefit from additional help with emotional regulation, communication, social interaction, confidence, self-esteem, attendance, transitions or readiness for learning.

Nurture is not a separate provision, but an integral part of our inclusive ethos. Through strong relationships, consistent routines and emotionally responsive practice, we support children to develop resilience, independence and positive relationships so that they can successfully access learning and wider school life.

The Pea Pod and The Nest (Early Years)

The Pea Pod and The Nest are our dedicated Early Years nurture spaces, providing calm, welcoming and supportive environments where children can develop the social, emotional and communication skills that underpin successful learning.

Targeted nurture sessions are delivered throughout the week and may focus on:

• Emotional regulation and self-awareness.
• Turn-taking and cooperative play.
• Speaking and listening skills.
• Building positive relationships.
• Developing confidence and independence.
• Supporting transitions and routines.
• Early communication and interaction skills.
• Developing attention, engagement and readiness to learn.

In addition to planned sessions, these spaces are available throughout the school day to support children who may require additional emotional regulation, sensory support or a calm environment to help them successfully return to learning.

Treetops (Year 1 to Year 4)

Treetops is our dedicated nurture provision for pupils in Key Stage 1 and Lower Key Stage 2 who would benefit from additional support with their social, emotional and behavioural development.

Provision is delivered in small groups and is carefully tailored to meet identified needs:

• Year 1 and Year 2 pupils access Treetops through three afternoon sessions each week.
• Year 3 and Year 4 pupils access Treetops through four morning sessions each week.

Through structured nurture sessions, pupils are supported to:

• Develop emotional regulation strategies.
• Build confidence and self-esteem.
• Strengthen social communication and interaction skills.
• Develop positive friendships and relationships.
• Improve resilience and coping strategies.
• Enhance readiness for learning.
• Develop independence and self-management skills.
• Successfully navigate transitions and changes to routine.

Activities are adapted to meet the needs of individual pupils and may include discussion-based activities, collaborative games, emotional literacy work, problem-solving tasks, social communication opportunities and practical activities designed to develop confidence and wellbeing.

Wider Nurture and Wellbeing Support

Alongside our dedicated nurture provision, pupils may also access:

• Place2Be and Place2Talk support.
• Individual mentoring and pastoral support.
• Zones of Regulation.
• Social stories and emotional literacy activities.
• Lego Therapy.
• Sensory regulation strategies and sensory spaces.
• Targeted transition support.
• Attendance and family support where appropriate.
• Multi-agency support from external professionals.

The impact of nurture provision is reviewed regularly through observations, pupil voice, parental feedback, wellbeing measures, learning enquiries and individual case studies. This helps us to evaluate the effectiveness of support and ensures provision remains responsive to the needs of each child.

At Ribbon Academy, we believe that emotional wellbeing is fundamental to successful learning. Through our nurturing approach, dedicated provision and strong pastoral support, we aim to ensure that every child feels safe, valued, included and ready to achieve their full potential.

Here is an example of our Nurture Timetable: –