Closure of Spelthorne Nurture Group

Overview

Since 2011, the Local Authority has invested in the 'cluster' model of Nurture Groups.  Other kinds of Nurture Groups also exist in Surrey, but they are outside this model and are not funded by the LA. The 'cluster' model enables identified children to attend the Nurture Group from nearby schools, as well as from the host school. 

Cluster Nurture Groups in Surrey are founded on evidence-based practices and offer a short-term, inclusive, focused intervention that delivers short and long term impact. They assess needs and teach children strategies to deal with their emotions, and to overcome barriers to learning. They are an important part of Surrey's Wellbeing and Behaviour offer for KS1 children, delivering early intervention and support in a mainstream setting to enable children with emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties to access mainstream classes. Cluster Nurture Groups in Surrey are rigorously evaluated and demonstrate positive impact on outcomes of the children who access them.

Further detail about the cluster model, evidence of its impact and FAQs are available as background information. A copy of the School-Level Agreement, which sets out the requirements for a cluster Nurture Group, is also included for reference.

Please note: Some capital funding was originally available to set up Nurture Groups; this is no longer the case. The current resource to support a cluster Nurture Group only covers the cost of a Nurture Group teacher plus Nurture Group teaching assistant. Funding is not provided for the transport of children from other sites to attend the cluster Nurture Group but is provided by the referring school itself.

Although the Nurture Group Steering Group is currently discussing ways of achieving future funding security for the Nurture Groups, which may involve some changes to the current model, no change has been made at the current time.

Why your views matter

Spelthorne School has informed the Local Authority that they will not be re-opening the cluster Nurture Group currently situated at the school in September 2017.  The Local Authority is therefore seeking views on the future of this provision.

The purpose of this consultation is to hear views on whether key stakeholders in the Spelthorne area wish to see a continuation of the current model in Spelthorne or whether they wish to explore other options to meet the nurture needs of Spelthorne's Key Stage 1 children. Please note: Any invitation for expressions of interest to host the Nurture Group will depend on the result of the consultation and would go out separately, after this consultation has concluded.

What happens next

We'll use the results of this consultation to inform our plans for future Nurture Group provision in the area.

Any invitation for expressions of interest to host the Nurture Group will depend on the result of the consultation and would go out separately, after this consultation has concluded.