At the Sir John Colfox Academy, Bridport, nurture is at the heart of the Inclusion, Wellbeing and Support Centre and a core value of the school.  This ethos is based around the Six Principles of Nurture: children’s learning is understood developmentally; the classroom offers a safe base; nurture is important for the development of wellbeing; language is a vital means of communication; all behaviour is communication; and, transitions are important in children’s lives.  Attachment Theory underpins the approach and the teaching staff has received training about the importance of nurture and the school has a Nurturing Code.

Inclusion, Wellbeing and Support offers a range of interventions for our young people in a bright and comfortable environment.  As one of our young people noted ‘It’s a special place’, it’s made to feel like a home, with the sofa and soft furnishings. The people here really care for us as people, not just ‘students’.There are two confidential intervention spaces as well as room for group activities and private study and well-defined kitchen and lounge areas.  

The team of Mrs Best, Mrs Cary, Mr Preston and Mrs Lamble are supported by a range of colleagues, including a youth worker and a counsellor. Current interventions include counselling skills; life coaching; ELSA emotional and wellbeing support; mentoring and nurture groups. These are accessible to students following a referral by the relevant Head of Year. Young people may also be timetabled in Inclusion Wellbeing and Support for a short or longer time, and it is an essential stepping stone for young people re-integrating into school life. There is a Transition Mentoring Scheme to help support our young people during the transition from Year 6 to Year 7, and we support our young people with the transition post GCSE.

In addition, Inclusion Wellbeing and Support is open to all young people in the school who need a ‘listening ear’ and wish to self-refer. There are drop-in sessions for this purpose every break and at lunchtimes between 12:35 and 12:55. Many students join us for break and lunchtime to access this safe space.

We have an Inclusion Champion and this position of responsibility is held by a Year 11 student, who supports and helps the staff team.

Comments from Student Voice

Here is a range of comments from our student voice:

About the Staff

• ‘Friendly nice people.’
• ‘They respect me.’
• ‘I feel valued by the staff,’

About the Support

• ‘Good help and advice.’
• ‘I always get the help I need and have the right support.’
• ‘I get good advice from other students as well as staff.’

About The Centre

• ‘I almost always come out of here smiling.’
• ‘I am always calm here.’
• 'Inclusion feels very comfy and homely.’