Pili Pala

Our Nurture Group takes place in Dosbarth Pili Pala.

Dosbarth Pili Pala is a small class of 6 pupils. It's composition is carefully thought-out to create a balanced and functional group. We are part of the school’s Inclusion and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) provision. Its purpose is to offer children opportunities to re-visit early learning skills and promote and support their social and emotional development. There is much research evidence that children’s learning is most effective when they have a sense  of emotional well being, good self esteem and a feeling of belonging to their school community. Dosbarth Pili Pala provides children with this opportunity and so helps to develop their maturity and resilience. Dosbarth Pili Pala is a place of learning.

The philosophy of the Nurture Room is drawn from the principles of Nurture established by the work of Marjorie Boxall and others, and exemplified by ‘The Nurture Group Network’ (www.nurturegroups.org).

What happens in Nurture?

Dosbarth Pili Pala is designed to be a bridge between home and school a place where children can feel safe and secure and therefore develop their individual needs further. Dosbarth Pili Pala has a table to share snacks, and a beautiful seating area to play games & work collaboratively. We also use our sensory garden for our gardening activities and outside playtime. The activities are carefully planned and tailored to meet the individuals and group needs. Snack time is an important element and one that is enjoyed by everyone. This time allows for and encourages social interactions, turn taking and sharing news and thoughts. A wide variety of activities focus on the wellbeing and emotional literacy, these include:

•  Circle time
•  Nurture board games
•  Story time
•  Parachute games
•  Puppets
•  Sand and water play
•  Gardening
•  Cooking
•  Play dough
•  Large and small construction toys
•  Messy Play
•  Imaginative play
•  Chill out igloo

The Nurture Group Principles:

•  Children’s Learning is understood developmentally
•  The classroom offers a safe base
•  All behaviour is communication
•  The Importance of transition in children’s lives
•  Has an adult/child ratio of 1:3, and provides lots of opportunities for speaking and listening activities
•  Builds a child’s self-esteem and confidence
•  Builds skills for classroom learning
•  Has daily crafts, games, a ‘mini-tea’ and more!
•  Language is a vital means of communication