Cwmaber Infants School has recently been awarded with the National Nurturing Schools Award.
The National Nurturing Schools Programme is a two year journey for all schools aiming to support their pupils and stakeholders. Based on the six principles of nurture, the programme enables schools to develop and embed a nurturing culture that enhances stakeholder engagement. The programme has been developed by ‘Nurtureuk’, the world’s leading authority for nurture in education and awarding body of the Certificate in Theory and Practice of Nurture Groups, the nationally recognised qualification for running a nurture group in schools.
The assessors summary in the report stated, “It was evident from the contents of the application form and the evidence folder that Cwmaber is a school with a strong focus on and understanding of positive relationships and inclusive practice. Staff language both in the writing of the application and in discussions during the accreditation visit, used vocabulary which reflects the school’s commitment to the development and wellbeing of ambitious, capable learners, enterprising, creative contributors, ethical, informed citizens and healthy, confident individuals. Staff used words such as caring, vibrant, secure and valued, they saw their role as providing consistency, support, care and high expectations.”
In addition to this, pupils were described as “Happy, comfortable, confident and friendly” with staff being commended on their “open and cheerful” approach. The Year 2 pupils who spoke to the assessor left her with the impression that “these were children who from their earliest involvement with the school had been supported to develop emotional literacy and intelligence and to turn confidently to adults for help and support”.
Bethan Davies, Executive Headteacher of Cwmaber Infants School said, “I am absolutely thrilled that the exceptionally warm and nurturing environment of our school has been recognised with this award”.
Cllr Ross Whiting, Cabinet Member for Learning and Achievement commented, “I am delighted that Cwmaber Infants School has received the national recognition it very much deserves. This award reflects the positive and important impact that the school, staff, students and parents’ commitments to a nurturing environment has achieved across the school.”
