National Nurture Schools Award

There’s a real buzz in the air at Exton and Greetham CE Primary School — and for very good reason! We are absolutely delighted that our wonderful village school has been awarded the Nurture Schools Award through the National Nurturing Schools Programme (NNSP).

This prestigious recognition celebrates something we’ve long believed sits at the very heart of our school: that children thrive when they feel safe, valued, and understood.

💛 A Whole-School Commitment to Nurture

Achieving the award wasn’t a quick tick-box exercise. The process involved a rigorous assessment, including detailed evidence of attendance and exclusion data, case studies, partnership work, and — most importantly — how we live out the Six Principles of Nurture each and every day.

While assessors commented that no written report could fully capture the daily dedication of staff, they recognised what we see all the time: a deeply embedded, whole-school approach where nurture isn’t an add-on — it’s who we are.

Already well along our nurture journey before joining the programme, the NNSP helped us refine and strengthen our practice even further. Today, we are proud to be recognised as a model of good practice in social and emotional support, welcoming visits from other schools keen to learn from our approach.

🎶 Wellbeing at the Heart of Learning

At Exton and Greetham, emotional wellbeing isn’t separate from education — it is the foundation of it.

Our rich and inclusive curriculum, strong relationships, and genuine culture of care ensure that both pupils and staff feel supported. Music and singing play a special role in our school life, helping children express emotions, build confidence, and feel connected. It’s part of what makes our school community so special.

And we know that caring for children starts with caring for staff. Clear wellbeing systems, reflective conversations, regular check-ins, and our “family first” ethos help everyone strike a healthy balance between school and home life.

🗣️ Pupil Voice, Leadership & Belonging

Our children are active participants in shaping school life. From school council and faith council to art ambassadors, sports leaders, cyber-wise teams and librarians, leadership opportunities are woven throughout the school.

These roles don’t just build skills — they build belonging.

Parents often tell us:

“Everyone is allowed to be themselves.”

We couldn’t ask for higher praise.

💬 Talking About Feelings Matters

One of the assessment highlights was our deliberate allocation of time for children to talk about their feelings. Staff help pupils reflect on emotions, understand how feelings influence behaviour, and develop self-regulation skills.

Practical tools — including visual feelings cards worn by staff — support children when words are hard to find. Because behaviour is understood as communication, our approach focuses on identifying and responding to underlying needs.

Positive choices are celebrated, and during times of heightened excitement or anxiety (the run-up to Christmas, for example!), calming alternatives are thoughtfully offered.

Our shared values guide everything we do:

We are honest.
We are kind.
We forgive.

Simple. Powerful. Lived daily.

🤝 Strong Relationships, Lasting Impact

Relationships truly underpin all aspects of school life.

As one staff member beautifully put it:

“Nurture is running through the veins of the school. We are all really lucky to work here.”

Our pupils feel it too:

“Every adult here is a trusted adult.”
“When we need somebody to help us, there is always someone around.”

And parents say it best:

“Kids don’t fall through the gaps here.”
“Because she feels comfortable, then she can learn.”
“The level of care and love is something else.”

External validation from our SIAMS inspection in November 2024 echoed this strength, highlighting how pupils thrive as their confidence grows and how vulnerable children are supported through deep understanding and strong relationships.

🌈 A Community at the Centre

As a small village school in Rutland, Exton and Greetham plays a pivotal role in its local community. Visitors often comment on the warmth of the welcome — and that nurturing spirit extends far beyond the classroom walls.

This award is a celebration of our pupils, staff, families, governors, and wider community. It recognises not just policies and paperwork, but daily acts of kindness, patience, understanding, and care.

We are incredibly proud — and even more committed than ever — to continue placing nurture, wellbeing, and community at the heart of everything we do. 💛