Bede’s Prep School has developed a new ‘Nurture’ room, designed to provide a supportive and enriching environment for pupils, fostering holistic growth and encouraging pupils to develop their potential academically, socially and emotionally. The ‘Nurture’ programme at Bede’s Prep aims to help pupils overcome emerging social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH). 

In the new Nurture room, sessions are guided by dedicated Nurture practitioners who have received training through Nurture UK, an organisation dedicated to improving the social, emotional, mental health and wellbeing of children. Identified through Bede’s pastoral team, pupils who would benefit from Nurture sessions have the opportunity to engage in these small group sessions. These sessions take place during the school day and help to ensure pupils receive the support they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. 

The Nurture room has been carefully designed to be welcoming and safe, with colourful bean bags and positive wall art, it provides a calming atmosphere where pupils work on building self-esteem and gaining a deeper understanding of their emotions. 

A pivotal aspect of the Nurture programme is the implementation of the Boxall Profile assessment. This profile is completed with each pupil at the beginning of the intervention and again at the end to document their progress. The Boxall Profile helps to identify hidden vulnerabilities and gain insights into the origins of specific behaviours, helping provide targeted and effective support.

Alongside the new Nurture room, Bede’s Pre-Prep building has a new addition of a serene sanctuary, named the ‘Learning Lodge’. Designed specifically for pupils in Early Years and Key Stage 1, the room offers a jungle-themed environment, carefully crafted to inspire the children. 

In the Learning Lodge, children can explore a wealth of resources that encourage creative thinking and emotional resilience – from small world toys to a wide range of books. The Learning Lodge is designed to be screen-free where children can disconnect from technology. It hosts story times and small group PSHE sessions to empower young learners to thrive academically and emotionally. 

“Our new Nurture room and Learning Lodge are one of many ways we support our pupils at Bede’s Prep,” says Mrs Leigh-Anne Morris, Head of the Prep School. “We are committed to providing a holistic education that addresses the unique needs of each pupil, and the Nurture programme is testament to that. We look forward to watching how our pupils grow and maximise their potential using these new spaces.”