Nurture Groups

Initiative Description: Study of nurture groups across 32 schools in the City of Glasgow; providing children who had been identified as having the appropriate profile with the majority of their teaching in a small class within their mainstream primary school. Class size was typically up to a maximum of 10 or 12, and the class was staffed by both a specially trained nurture group teacher and an auxiliary. The approach in the nurture group offers an experience based on carefully planned routines in which there is a balance of affection and structure and of learning and teaching. The group provides many of the experiences generally found in a home environment, with a focus on activities which are not part of normal classroom life, such as sitting down together for breakfast and enjoying activities which may be developmentally appropriate for younger children.

Study Results: Improved academic performance

Reference: Reynolds, S., MacKay, T., & Kearney, M. (2009). Nurture groups: A large-scale, controlled study of effects on development and academic attainment. British Journal of Special Education, 36(4), 204-212.

Level of Evidence: Very Good