1. NURTURING SCHOOLS Scottish Government Schools Directorate Positive Behaviour Team Maureen Fairgrieve George Marcinkiewicz

2. What is a Nurture Group? A group of 6 to 12 young people mostly in a mainstream setting Prime focus on social and emotional wellbeing needs

3. Principle 1 Childrens learning has to be understood developmentally

4. Principle 2a Children have to be assessed Agreed selection criteria

5. Principle 2b They always remain part of their own class and school and spend time there on a daily basis

6. Principle 3 The set up is conducive to the replication of early experiences

7. Principle 4 Staff work in a team Important to have a staff team of two at all times

8. Principle 5 The room set up in different areas is a bridge between home and school

9. Principle 6 Snack time is an essential part of this experience Sharing round the table builds social skills and competencies

10. Principle 7 Building emotional literacy is an essential focus within the group

11. Principle 8 Skills are built formally and informally It is essential to provide stimulating opportunities for play as a basis for the development of social skills as well as the usual curriculum

12. Why this and why now? An increasing number of young children are finding it hard to fit in at the early stages, thus disrupting the learning of their peers Increased levels of negative environmental factors Mental health issues

13. Stress and Cortisol Higher cortisol levels can be present pre- birth Level Increases through stress Can transcend more than one generation Some young people can be permanently in a flight/ fight mode

14. Suitable for All Age Groups? Suitable for different age groups Variety of ages can benefit Early intervention is best Primary focus is Early Stages Older young people can come as supportive role models for younger ones