The Nurture Programme
- our Alternative Provision offer

The Badger Forest School Nurture Programme has been working to support young people across Cornwall since 2013. We offer a safe, nurturing provision designed to support emotional wellbeing, break down barriers to development, and build self-esteem and resilience to unlock potential for success.

Our leaders work to build a trusting, non-judgemental relationship with each child, and provide child-centred sessions with activities that support their physical and mental well-being and help them to thrive. By getting to know a child really well, we are able to identify their natural strengths and interests, and build on these to grow their confidence and help them develop a range of new skills. In time, this naturally increases their engagement and capacity for learning elsewhere.

Each child has a bespoke programme tailored to their specific profile. Sessions include activities designed to develop concentration, practical skills, fine and gross motor development, problem solving, language and communication skills, and expand an understanding of the natural world. These might include shelter building, fire lighting and cooking on an open fire, tool use, wildlife study, rope and string work, arts and crafts, sensory activities and story-building. Children have space to freely connect with themselves and nature to promote growing self-awareness and emotional growth, and have opportunities for safe dysregulation to help learn and access tools for improved self-regulation. All-weather outdoor learning generates motivation and resilience, as well as helps relieve passivity, stress and anxiety.

The team has a wide range of professional qualifications, skills and experience and we are careful to match leaders and participants to best meet the child’s individual needs. We are a trauma informed organisation and leaders are experienced in working with children with a range of mental and physical health issues, as well as different neurodiverse profiles.

We typically work with local schools, the Local Authority (including with children on an EOTAS package) and Social Services, but any organisation working with a child is welcome to refer a young person to us. We ask that you complete a referral form (available by email request), informing us of your requirements and the needs of the young person. Further contact will help us to make an assessment of needs and put together a support plan. The family/carers of the child must consent to the service before it commences.

Referring agencies and organisations are responsible for funding the support which is charged on a per session basis with additional services offered. Our leaders track progress through weekly session reports, as well as an end-of-term review and development plans which are shared with the referring party. We attend educational reviews and care meetings as required.