Harryville Primary opens new ‘nurture den’

Mervyn Storey MLA, who officially opened the new Nurture Den at Harryville PS, is pictured with pupils, staff Mrs. V. Hall, Mrs. L. Sands and Mrs. L. Meikle (Principal) and chairman of the Board of Governors Mr. Denis Harvey. INBT44-218AC

The school is one of only ten schools within Northern Ireland and one of two in County Antrim, chosen to participate in this exciting adventure.

The aim is to make the primary school years a safe, happy and enjoyable experience. They hope to build the confidence and self esteem of the children in a smaller, quieter environment to breakdown any barriers to learning through the home/school feel of the den.

The pupils will be following the same tasks as their peers in the mainstream class with the aim for them to return to their respective classes.

The Nurture Den is not a stand alone unit but part of the whole school nuturing philosophy.

A spokesperson said: “It is not enough for the nuture group children to just learn through play, the role of the teacher and classroom assistant is vital, they model good and acceptable behaviours and show how social interaction between people works.

“That is why part of our day will focus on and around the kitchen and dining areas.”

The den was officially opened by Mr Mervyn Storey MLA and attended by invited guests, staff parents and children.

The unit follows the six nurture principals. 1- Children’s learning is understood developmentally; 2- The classroom offers a safe base; 3- The importance of nuture for the development of self-esteem; 4- Language is a vital means of communication; 5- The importance of transition in children’s lives.