Hayesdown First School has been awarded the Marjorie Boxall Quality Mark Award (MBQMA) for the fifth time, recognising the work of the school’s ‘nurture groups.’
Presented to the school in a special assembly by local MP Anna Sabine, the award recognises how the school’s ‘nurture groups’ improve the social, emotional, mental health and wellbeing of children and young people and improve their resilience and self-confidence.
The assessment was carried out by national charity Nurture UK, and Hayesdown First School was praised for integrating nurture practices across the whole school, such as making the school lunch hall a calmer environment and creating ‘cocooning places’ around the school such as quiet reading corners in each classroom.
Headteacher Julia Battersby said, “We are very proud to have achieved the award as our school strives to provide a safe and inclusive environment that supports every child to flourish. The nurture team and our SENDCO, Mrs Crawley, work incredibly hard to ensure that we make the right adaptations for all of our pupils.
“The children themselves understand how our Sunflower Nurture Group supports them, and they enjoy their learning. Our parents also welcome this more personalised approach for their children. With the generous donations from Toolroom Technology Ltd and the Keyford Foundation, we have expanded our provision to include a sensory room which is already having an impact.”
During the visit to present the award, MP Anna Sabine also opened a new sensory room in the school.
