The Nest

The Nest at Crawley Ridge Infant School

We are delighted to introduce The Nest, our nurture provision at Crawley Ridge Infant School.

The Nest provides a calm, safe and supportive space where children can build confidence, develop positive relationships and learn strategies that help them feel happy, settled and ready to learn.

Our approach is rooted in the principles of nurture. We recognise that children develop at different rates and that, at times, some children may need additional support with their emotional wellbeing, relationships, confidence or engagement with learning. Through positive relationships and carefully planned activities, The Nest provides children with opportunities to develop these important skills in a supportive environment.

What happens in The Nest?

Children may spend short periods of time in The Nest individually or as part of a small group, depending on their individual needs.

Activities are carefully planned to support children's social and emotional development, including building confidence and self-esteem, developing friendships, understanding and managing feelings, developing independence and learning strategies that can help them in the classroom and throughout school life.

The Nest is also an opportunity for children to talk, play, read, create, explore and learn alongside supportive adults and other children. We use everyday experiences and activities to help children develop their communication, emotional awareness and social skills.

Our aim is always to help children return to their classroom feeling more confident, settled and ready to learn. The Nest works alongside the child's classroom provision rather than replacing it and children's time there is carefully considered so that they continue to have full access to their learning.

Working together with families

We believe that working closely with parents and carers is an important part of supporting children. Where we feel a child may benefit from spending time in The Nest, we will communicate with families and work together to understand what will help their child most.

If you have any questions about The Nest, please speak to your child's class teacher, our SENCO, Mrs Roberts, or Miss Petre, HLTA and lead for The Nest.

Help us build The Nest

We are continuing to develop The Nest and are grateful for donations of resources that will help us create a welcoming, engaging environment for the children who use the space.

If you are able to donate items such as art and craft materials, sensory resources, gardening equipment, play materials or beanbags, we would be very grateful.

Donations can be dropped off with Miss Petre or brought directly to The Nest.