Welcome to the Hippos
Nurture at Onchan School
Welcome to
Hippos
Hippos provides a nurturing environment where children have the opportunity to grow in confidence and become engaged, successful learners, both academically and socially, within our classrooms and the school community.
Hippos
Hippos is a calm space in the centre of the school which is accessible for all children when they require a time out space
What is the purpose of Hippos?
Hippos continues the ethos of an already nurturing environment within Onchan School and provides inclusion for all children promoting Social, Emotional Mental Health Education. Children are supported within Hippos to improve their emotional well-being, self-esteem and have a sense of belonging to the school community. We provide a structured routine with clear boundaries so the children feel safe and secure. Hippos is a place of holistic learning whereby learning focuses on all aspects of an individual, rather than just their academic or intellectual development.
We follow the six principles of Nurture.
The Nurture Group Principles:
1. Children’s learning is understood developmentally (stage not age)
2. The classroom/school offers a safe base
3. Nurture is important for the development of self-esteem
4. Language is understood as a vital means of communication
5. All behaviour is communication
6. Transitions are significant in the lives of children
Reasons children might attend Hippos
• Low self-esteem
• They find it hard to listen to others or join in
• Family illness or break up
• Bereavement
• They find it hard to share and take turns
• They find it hard to settle into class
• Friendship difficulties - keeping/making friends
• They find it hard to accept losing a game
• They may be quiet, shy and withdrawn
• They find it hard to follow the expectation of the classroom
When a teacher identifies a child with any of the needs listed above, a discussion will then take place with the Inclusion Lead (Mrs Gravestock). A Boxall Profile and SDQ will be completed to identify possible areas the child may need support.
If it is felt the child would benefit from attending our Nurture Group Intervention in Hippos, the class teacher will speak to the parent/carer and they will be given the opportunity to accept a place for their child to attend.
The group runs on consistency, positive reinforcement and praise.
Attendance at Hippos will help to boost confidence and self-esteem and provide children with extra skills to improve social skills and independence for example:
• To engage
• To settle
• To listen
• To concentrate
• To share and take turns
• To accept losing a game
• To build friendship with their classmates
• Gives opportunities to talk about and understand their feelings
• To work on curriculum based activities from their classrooms
• To experience and practice the development of positive relationships
How long will my child attend the Nurture Group Intervention in Hippos?
The nurture group in Hippos will initially run for two sessions per week (1 afternoon and 1 morning). A child may attend for 1-4 terms. However, we will ensure that children do not miss special assemblies, guests in school, outings or any special events that the rest of their class are taking part in. The Nurture team will liaise closely with the class teachers.
Are parents/carers involved?
Yes, we pride ourselves on having an open door policy at Onchan School, where parents/carers can come and chat with the Nurture staff with regard to their child.
How will Hippos help my child?
Children follow a structure and routine that is clear to both staff and children which may include a combination of the following: group
listening and speaking, learning tasks, individual and shared playing and social skills.
Ways you can work with us to support your child:
- Attend Parents Meetings; keep in touch with your child’s class teacher about any changes that may affect their behaviour in school
- Attend school functions such as Coffee and Cake afternoons, fundraisers and other events. Children tell us that they feel happy when they see their parents in school.
- Support your child with home learning and encourage them to talk to you about what they have been learning. When children share with you at home it enhances their learning and gives them confidence to succeed in the classroom
- Encourage your child to talk about emotions and feelings with you- the more open we are about how we are feeling the less likely we are to bottle things up and become withdrawn, angry or anxious
What is Nurture at Onchan School?
Supporting our Pupils with Self Regulation
Parenting to Prevent and Heal ACES
https://talk.islelisten.im -Isle Listen and Camhs referrals can now be made by parents/carers directly by following this link. This doesn't mean that school won't continue to make referrals on your behalf if required. Please contact Mrs Gravestock if you require support with referrals.