NURTURE CENTRE

“All children and young people have the same basic needs - to be loved, accepted and encouraged. Only if those needs are met can they go on to tackle the challenges of school and life with confidence and resilience. For many students with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, spending time in the wonderfully warm and accepting environment of a Nurture group can make all the difference. I can give them the skills to do well at school, make friends, and deal more confidently and calmly with the trials and tribulations of life, for life. That was the vision we wanted to bring to Ryburn. After weeks of hard work over the summer, the old Media Block was transformed, and our brand new STEP Centre opened in the autumn term. This great new space is part of our provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities. As well as classrooms for Literacy, Personal Learning and Vocational Skills, it also includes a room with a different feel from the rest of the school. Cosy corners, board games, art materials and a dining area with a jolly tablecloth, our Nurture Centre is something new. Each Nurture group meet there a few times each week for several months. As well as the nourishing environment, they do lots of activities that also help to break down their barriers to learning. This includes a shared reading book, crafts and games, all of which are designed to practice skills like communication, social skills and emotional literacy. This year we launched something brand new and very exciting at Ryburn - our Nurture Centre - but only a few students know what it’s about. VIBE wanted to find out. Here’s your sneak peek at what goes on inside. NURTURE CENTRE WELCOME TO THE

Children’s learning is understood developmentally The classroom offers a safe base

The Six Principles of Nurture

All behaviour is communication The importance of transition in children’s lives The importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing Language is a vital means of communication

THE SIX PRINCIPLES OF NURTURE

Nurture groups follow these six principles. Mrs Holmes and Mrs Batty (Jo and Julie to the students) run the Nurture Centre at Ryburn.

“ “ NURTURE CENTRE VOX POPS Sharing our thoughts and ideas, and listening to each other is a big part of what we do here. We asked students what they like about the Nurture Centre. “It’s helped me stop getting into fights. I’ve learned to control my temper and find other ways to deal with situations.” “What I learn in here helps me in my school life and outside. I used to be really shy but now I am much more confident to speak to different people.” “I loved the Christmas party. We all played games and everyone felt so happy to be together.”

19VIBE WINTER 2019-20

ROBIN TUDDENHAM, CALDERDALE COUNCIL’S CHIEF EXEC, OFFICIALLY OPENS THE STEP CENTRE

RYBURN READS Just like in iGen, reading together is a great way to explore the emotions and issues faced by the characters in the book. Here’s our review.

Together we are reading The Man in the Moon. It’s about a boy named Peter who has no parents. As the book goes on, he learns more about himself. It follows him through different challenges and emotions, including being bullied for being mixed race. After reading each chapter, we do activities like storyboards based around what we have read, and talk about the emotions and children’s philosophy in the book. Reading together really helps us to understand how people think and feel.

T h a n k y o u ! Lots of local businesses, Ryburn staff, and families have been so generous in supporting the Nurture Centre. We’ve had donations of furniture, games and so much lovely food.

BEE Happy! A display of bees radiates positivity. The students have been painting pebbles from the beach. Just like us, they are all different; imperfect but beautiful.

SNACK TIME Sharing food and drinks at snack is one of our favourites. We make our snacks ourselves. Here’s a simple and yummy recipe you can try.

• 4 TBSP SELF-RAISING FLOUR • 4 TBSP CASTER SUGAR • 2 TBSP COCOA POWDER • 1 MEDIUM EGG • 3 TBSP MILK • 3 TBSP VEGETABLE OIL OR SUNFLOWER OIL • A FEW DROPS OF VANILLA ESSENCE OR OTHER ESSENCE (ORANGE OR PEPPERMINT WORK WELL) • 2 TBSP CHOCOLATE CHIPS, NUTS, OR RAISINS ETC (OPTIONAL) • A LARGE MUG • A TABLESPOON (TBSPFOR MEASURING) • A FORK OR A TEASPOON (TO MIX) MICROWAVE MUG CAKE 1. Add 4 tbsp self-raising flour, 4 tbsp caster sugar and 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the largest mug you have (to stop it overflowing in the microwave) and mix. 2. Add 1 medium egg and mix in as much as you can, but don’t worry if there’s still dry mix left. 3. Add the 3 tbsp milk, 3 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil and a few drops of vanilla essence and mix until smooth, before adding 2 tbsp chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins, if using, and mix again. 4. Centre your mug in the middle of the microwave oven and cook on High for 1½ -2 mins, or until it has stopped rising and is firm to the touch. RECIPE FROM BBC GOOD FOOD. WWW.BBCGOODFOOD.COM/RECIPES/MICROWAVE-MUG-CAKE