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Understanding the theory and practice of Nurture Groups

Autumn 2008

A 30-hour course aimed at primary school teachers, classroom assistants, NNEBs, SENCOs who have started or wish to start a Nurture Group in their school. Headteachers and educational psychologists are also very welcome.

Attendance
Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 October 2008
Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December 2008
(9.30 am - 4.00 pm)

Venue: Faculty of Education, 184 Hills Road, Cambridge.

Tutors: Eve Boyd and Ray Arnold
with contributions from members of the Nurture Group Network

The course aims to:

  • support the implementation of the Primary Strategy for social and emotional approaches to learning;
  • explore the 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 observe pupils and apply their growing understanding of children to work in nurture groups;
  • explore the most effective modes of classroom organisation, curriculum and management, identification and assessment of pupils, record keeping;
  • give guidance on the evaluation of withdrawal groups, including nurture groups;
  • place the nurture group in the whole school concept of the nurturing school.

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 and Goodman SDQ;
  • 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;
  • the findings of the Nurture Group Research Project.

Accreditation:
The course may be taken on a free-standing basis leading to the award of a Certificate of Further Professional Study (CFPS). Alternatively, if you are currently studying or wish to enrol for an Advanced Diploma in Educational Studies (ADES) you may count this towards one of your units. (For full information on the requirements please contact the PPD Office).

All participants will be expected to attend regularly (a minimum of 80%) and to complete a related assignment to the satisfaction of the course tutor.

Applications: If you would like an application form for this course please contact the PPD Office (01223 767725) or you can download the form here

Applications should arrive no later than Friday 11 July 2008. (After this date, please telephone the PPD Office to see whether places are still available.)

The tuition fee of £410.00 will be payable prior to commencement of the course (this excludes the cost of meals and refreshments). An invoice will be issued on acceptance to the course and applicants are therefore asked to indicate who will be responsible for the payment of fees. Cheques should be made payable to the University of Cambridge.