Samantha Laurie discovers two local schools cultivating their children's mental and academic health, with impressive results
After the revelations on childrens' mental health offered by Place2Be, it's time to look at local schools whose innovations have had a positive impact.
Serving each other at table and eating together is a crucial part of the day for the 4-8 year olds who spend four mornings a week in nurturing room the NEST (Nurturing Emotional Security Together) at Epsom Downs Primary School.
Children who have not settled well in mainstream classes can come to the NEST, with its comfy sofas and close attention from a teacher and teaching assistant, to spend between two and four terms learning social skills, mirroring good behaviour and focusing on emotional literacy.
It’s an approach proven to deliver long-term mental health improvements lasting beyond the child’s return to regular classes, says the Nurture Group Network, which awarded the Epsom primary its quality mark for the excellent nurturing care it offers its own pupils and those of surrounding schools.
Two years ago, Kings College Guildford – situated in an area that falls within the poorest 10% nationally – implemented a whole school programme based on ‘academic resilience’.
Some changes have had a profound effect: after-school enrichment classes, which were poorly attended by the neediest children (many of whom are young carers), now take place during the school day. All children can choose to spend one afternoon (younger children two) engaged in activities such as robotics, Japanese lessons and sport.
Now school attendance is at a record high, behaviour incidents are down 42% and exam results improved by almost 100% this year.
Find out more on the Epsom Downs Primary School and Kings College Guildford websites. Or for a list of the best private schools in Surrey, click here.
