Whole School Approaches to Nurture

This is a potential opportunity to deliver a programme of accredited, evidence-based training and consultancy support to enable mainstream primary and secondary schools in Kent to implement a programme of Whole School Nurture, including provision and training in the use of a complementary accredited tool to measure pupil wellbeing. The programme must be able to demonstrate successful external evaluation and offer the opportunity for participating schools to gain a recognised accreditation as a nurturing school. There are currently approximately 300 mainstream primary and secondary schools in Kent; further information about Kent schools can be found at: https://www.kelsi.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/108738/Facts-and-Figures-Booklet-2020.pdf The concept of ‘nurture’ in an education setting is built on the principle that all behaviour is a form of communication, and that by focussing on the root causes of presenting behaviours (which may appear challenging), responses can be better adapted to improve outcomes for individual children and young people, both academically and emotionally. There is a broad evidence-base outlining the efficacy of nurture models, which can lead to improved engagement in education and reduced exclusions, particularly for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. We would like to offer the opportunity to mainstream primary and secondary schools to take part in a phased approach through a 2 year contract with option to extend for 1 year (subject to available funding, governance approval, and interim evaluation findings). The offer to schools must involve training and on-going consultancy support in implementing both whole-school approaches and targeted nurture provision for those with more significant SEMH needs, as well any licenses and training to implement a complementary accredited tool to measure pupil well-being throughout the programme. This will require a secure platform to store and track this information electronically. As part of our broader work to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities, KCC may also be exploring other approaches that support inclusion over the coming months, specifically in relation to the workforce development around the identification of special educational needs, autistic spectrum conditions (ASC) and approaches to transition. Further information and a set of soft market engagement questions are available to those who express interest via the Kent Business Portal.