A Unique Child: Nurture Groups - Well nourished

Nurture and nurturing are terms that are hard to avoid these days. The positive influence of effective nurturing is now a familiar notion. It is no longer an acceptable idea that genes are the main predisposing factor regarding growth, intelligence and mental health. Rather, the quality of early nurturing is seen to have long-term critical effects on emotional and intellectual development. This understanding is something that many schools and education authorities have been taking seriously for quite some time, offering several forms of intervention to both carers and children. One of these is the Nurture Group.

A Nurture Group is a psychosocial form of intervention offering nurturing experiences and the opportunity to develop positive relationships for children and young people. Founded in Hackney, London, in 1969 by educational psychologist Marjorie Boxall, these groups were created as support for those children who arrive in school unprepared to meet the demands of classroom life due to their pressing emotional, social and behaviour needs. The groups have been shown to be pivotal in helping children overcoming language and communication difficulties, developing a range of social skills and regulating their behaviour and emotions.