Setting

Ofsted 2010–11 survey inspection programme: nurture groups

Thank you for your hospitality and cooperation, and that of your staff and children, during my visit with Andrew Redpath HMI on 9 February 2011 as part of our survey of the use of nurture groups for pupils who are vulnerable to underachieving.

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Ofsted 2010–11 survey inspection programme: nurture groups

The visit provided valuable information which will contribute to our national evaluation and reporting. Published reports are likely to list the names of the contributing institutions but individual institutions will not be identified in the main text without their consent.

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Ofsted 2010–11 survey inspection programme: nurture groups

This letter briefly summarises our discussion at the end of the visit.

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Strengths of the nurture group provision

 The nurture groups are part of the school’s overall approach to improving behaviour and attendance. The school reports that the range of strategies introduced has had the impact of reducing fixed-term and permanent exclusions.  The school sets appropriate targets that guide the nurture group sessions. They have evidence that the pupils improve their social skills during their time in the nurture groups.  In the sessions observed, pupils were enjoying the activities and participating enthusiastically with their peers as a result of the flexible and understanding approach showed by the staff in the group. They particularly enjoyed their ‘special boxes’ for their own toys and activities.  You are appropriately evaluating the current systems so that they are continually responsive to individuals and groups of children and their impact evaluated. Aviation House 125 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 0300 123 1231

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Strengths of the nurture group provision

F 020 7421 6855 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Strengths of the nurture group provision

Mrs S Walker Headteacher Westwood Park Community Primary School Vaughan Street Winton Eccles M30 8DH

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

 strengthening the aims and success criteria of the nurture groups  clarifying referral procedures and establishing clearer criteria for when pupils should leave  auditing the nurture group alongside the other provision that supports children’s personal and academic development to evaluate how the activities complement each other.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

I hope that these observations are useful as you continue to develop this aspect of the school’s work.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

As I explained previously, a copy of this letter will be published on the Ofsted website. It may be used to inform decisions about any future inspection. A copy of this letter will be sent to your local authority.

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