For the attention of The Headteacher, all Norfolk Primary phase Schools

(Note: deadline for receipt of applications is 13 September 2002)

 

Understanding the Theory and Practice of

Nurture Groups

 

 

In conjunction with the Association of Workers for Children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties and the University of Cambridge School of Education we are running the above four day course in Norwich on 10/11 October and 7/8 November 2002.

 

Course Tutors:          Ray Arnold, Eve Boyd and Paul Cooper with contributions from members of the Nurture Group Consortium

 

This course will lead to the award of a Certificate of Further Professional Study (CFPS).

 

To maximise the potential of this training both a teacher and a teaching assistant should be trained.  Where a teacher has previously attended, a teaching assistant may attend.  However, in schools where this course has not been previously accessed a teacher must attend in the first instance, preferably accompanied by a teacher assistant.

 

The course aims to:

 

·        Examine the historical and theoretical background that underpins the Nurture Group approach

·        Enable participants to develop a critical understanding of the Nurture Group concept in relation to current thinking about how children learn

·        Enable participants to apply their growing understanding of how children learn to work in Nurture Groups

·        Explore the most effective modes of classroom organisation and management, identification and assessment of pupils, record keeping and behaviour management

 

The course will comprise lectures, seminars and group discussions on issues surrounding:

 

·        The theoretical basis for the Nurture Group approach, i.e. a developmental account of the cognitive, social and emotional foundations of early learning

·        The identification and assessment of children who may be suitable for placement in the Nurture Group

·        Effective classroom organisation

·        Evaluating and monitoring pupil progress:  record keeping using the Boxall Diagnostic Profile

·        Principles and practices of effective behaviour management in the Nurture Group context

·        Re-integrating the children from the Nurture Groups into mainstream classrooms

·        The contribution of the Nurture Group approach to the development of a caring pedagogy for all children

·        The possible impact of Nurture Group practice on whole school approaches to the education of all children

 

 

Places will be limited to 25 candidates because of the structure of the course.

 

This course is supported by the Standards Fund and the cost of the course fees will be covered.  However, schools will be responsible for supply cover costs.

 

As demand is anticipated to be high the following criteria will be applied to applications in the first instance;

 

·        The school is already committed to implementing and running a Nurture Group

Or

·        The school is already committed to implementing Nurture Group Theory and Practice as a whole school approach

Or

·        The school is already running a Nurture Group but staff have not yet been successful in accessing accredited training

Or

·        The school is keen to run a Nurture Group or to implement Nurture Group Theory and Practice as a whole school approach and is indicating its intention to do so

And

·        It is expected that colleagues will become part of a Norfolk Network designed to maintain and extend good practice, and schools will participate in the Network to help develop, impart, and act as exemplars of, Nurture Group practice.

 

Applications should be made on a standard Advisory Service booking form (also complete the attached sheet, to indicate how the above criteria apply) by 13 September 2002.

 

Applicants will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.

 

For further information or discussion please contact Elizabeth Shenstone, Primary Adviser or Sue Berrisford, Administrative Assistant at the Professional Development Centre on 01603 433276.

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding the Theory and Practice of

Nurture Groups Course Criteria

 

YES                  NO
 
Please tick the appropriate boxes:

 

·         The school is already committed to implementing and running a Nurture Group   

Or

·         The school is already committed to implementing Nurture Group Theory and Practice as a whole school approach

Or

·         The school is already running a Nurture Group but staff have not yet been successful in accessing accredited training

Or

·         The school is keen to run a Nurture Group or to implement Nurture Group Theory and Practice as a whole school approach

·         and is indicating its intention to do so

And

·         The course participant is willing to become part of a Norfolk Network designed to maintain and extend good practice, and

·           the school will participate in the Network to help develop, impart, and act as exemplars of, Nurture Group practice.

·          

 

Please give any additional information that you think might be helpful :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signed:                                                                                                  (Course participant)

 

Signed:                                                                                                  (Headteacher)

 

Date:

 

Please return this form to: Sue Berrisford, Professional Development Centre, Woodside Road, Norwich, NR7 9QL by 13 September 2002.

 

Fax: 01603 702106