These easy craft ideas will not only help to decorate a room in your school, but also allow children and young people to contribute to their nurture group, giving them a sense of ownership and pride. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through five fun and creative craft ideas for children to complete in nurture groups, and transform the nurture room into a cosy, welcoming space. But first, what is a nurture group?
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What is a nurture group?
A nurture group is a focused, short-term intervention for primary or secondary school pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties which make it harder for them to learn in a mainstream class. Normally run by two members of staff with up to twelve pupils, the aim is to replace missing early experiences by developing positive pupil relationships with both teachers and peers in a supportive environment. Nurture groups are supported by Ofsted.
The importance of the nurture room
A nurture room is a special place in a school where children can feel safe, supported, and valued. It's a space designed to foster a sense of belonging and community, and a great way to achieve this is through creative activities.
How does crafting help children belong?
Crafts and creative activities help children in many areas of social, emotional and behavioural development. Encouraging creativity in children can improve confidence and self-esteem due to the ability to create something of their own. By recognising and valuing their creative contributions, teachers, parents and carers can boost children’s self-worth and sense of belonging. Crafting can also provide another form of communication to express themselves through something other than words.
Craft ideas for children
1. Weaving rugs
Weaving is a fantastic way to introduce children to traditional crafts while creating something practical and beautiful for the nurture room.
Materials Needed:
- Old t-shirts or fabric scraps
- Cardboard loom or simple wooden loom
- Scissors
- Yarn or string
Instructions:
- Cut the t-shirts or fabric scraps into long strips.
- Create a simple loom using cardboard or wood, wrapping yarn around it to form the warp (vertical threads).
- Show the children how to weave the fabric strips over and under the warp threads.
- Once the weaving is complete, tie off the ends to secure the rug.
Why choose this craft activity for children?
This activity not only teaches patience and fine motor skills but results in colourful, soft rugs that add warmth to the room.
Our next members’ event on March 18th covers the importance of creating a nurturing environment on a physical, social and academic level. Become a member, join us.
2. Decorating picture frames for a "This Is Us" wall
Craft your own "This Is Us" wall by filling it with photos and artwork of the children. This activity can significantly enhance a child’s sense of belonging in school.
Materials Needed:
- Plain wooden or cardboard picture frames
- Paints and brushes
- Decorative items (buttons, beads, glitter, stickers)
- Glue
Instructions:
- Let the children paint the frames in their favourite colours.
- Once dry, they can decorate the frames with various embellishments.
- Insert photos of the children, their artwork, or inspiring quotes.
Why choose this craft activity for children?
Displaying these personalised frames on a wall dedicated to the students helps them feel recognised and appreciated.
3. Making lampshades
Custom lampshades can bring a soft, comforting glow to the nurture room, making school feel more like home for children.
Materials Needed:
- Plain lampshades or old lampshades to upcycle
- Fabric (old scarves, shirts, or fabric remnants, felt)
- Fabric glue or a hot glue gun
- Decorative trim (ribbons, lace)
Instructions:
- Cut the fabric to fit around the lampshade, leaving a little extra for overlap.
- Use fabric glue to adhere the fabric to the lampshade, smoothing out any wrinkles.
- Add decorative trim to the top and bottom edges of the lampshade for a finished look.
Why choose this craft activity for children?
This project teaches children about upcycling and gives them the opportunity to personalise the lighting in their special space.
4. Creating soft furnishings
Cushions and pillows can make the nurture room more comfortable and inviting.
Materials Needed:
- Fabric (can be sourced from old clothes or fabric remnants)
- Needle and thread or fabric glue
- Stuffing (can be repurposed from old cushions or bought cheaply)
Instructions:
- Cut two equal-sized pieces of fabric for the cushion cover.
- Sew or glue three sides together, leaving one side open for stuffing.
- Fill with stuffing and close the final side.
Why choose this craft activity for children?
This activity encourages the children to choose their favourite fabrics and patterns, making the cushions a true reflection of the group's personality.
5. Handmade bunting
Bunting can add a cheerful touch to the room, and it’s a simple and easy craft that children of most ages can participate in.
Materials Needed:
- Cut fabric scraps into triangles or other shapes.
- Attach the shapes to a length of string or ribbon using needle and thread or fabric glue.
- Hang the bunting around the room.
Instructions:
- Fabric scraps
- String or ribbon
- Scissors
- Needle and thread or fabric glue
Why choose this craft activity for children?
Each piece of bunting can be unique, allowing children to express their creativity and contribute to the overall decoration.
Top tip! Try asking the children to make each piece of bunting with images and words that represent themselves.
Are you ready to get started?
Now you’ve got 5 easy craft ideas to try out with your children or students! Nurture groups are important spaces to develop social skills, grow confidence and self-respect, and creative pursuits are an excellent way to achieve this.
Need some more support with creating a nurturing environment? Our next members’ event covers the importance of creating a nurturing environment on a physical, social and academic level. Memberships start from just £10 a year.
