Whole school approach to nurture award at Northop Hall

Northop Hall Primary School's received the Whole School Nurture Approach to Learning award from Nurture International. This accolade stands as a testament to the school's strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and compassionate environment, where every child can thrive.

Over the past two years, the school has diligently worked towards embedding a whole school approach to nurture. This approach recognises that each child learns in a unique way. Echoing the message of many pupils, one young learner said: "The teachers here are really good at understanding children all learn in different ways and at a different pace. They kind of know we won't all get it at the same time and that we all develop at different times."

Linda Callaghan (local authority), Yvonne Monaghan and Alison Grimshaw (Nurture International) and Lynne Harrison (headteacher) with Year 6 pupils, receiving the certificate.

The positive atmosphere at Northop Hall is reflected in the words of another pupil, who added: "This is a great school to be a pupil, because we all care for each other and support each other, it's also really good to learn here, because the teachers support you to be resilient and to not be afraid of making mistakes."

The recognition of Northop Hall School's achievements came during a special presentation assembly where Alison Grimshaw and Yvonne Monaghan, representatives of the awarding body Nurture International, accompanied by Linda Callaghan from the local authority, praised the school for its relentless efforts in embedding the six principles of nurture.

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In their address to the school, Alison and Yvonne explained: "The school should feel extremely proud, as not only have they created an environment where children can truly flourish but to be the first school in Wales to achieve the award is a fantastic achievement."

Alison explained that during the assessment process the assessors could see clear evidence that the school does not separate academic learning from the social, emotional and cognitive needs of the children.

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Headteacher Lynne Harrison said: "I am incredibly proud and pleased with this achievement. It is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire school community. This award highlights our commitment to providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported in their unique learning journey.

"We've learnt a great deal during our work on embedding the principles of nurture and are keen to continue to develop and make our environment as good as it can be for our learners."

Northop Hall Primary School's Whole School Nurture Approach to Learning award certificate.

Comments from pupils further emphasise the wide range of opportunities offered at Northop Hall Primary School where students can explore and develop a variety of skills.

Enthusiastically, one student said: "There are just so many opportunities that I don't know where to start, things like the Talent Show, National Take Over Day, being buddies to younger pupils, all the sports festivals we take part in are brilliant and give all the chance to shine."