Wendy is nurtureuk‘s National Training Development and Innovation Manager.

Wendy has a long career in teaching and in developing and supporting nurture groups. She joined nurtureuk Board of Management in 2010, stepping down when she was appointed National Training Officer in 2012.

As a Special Educational Needs co-ordinator and Social Inclusion coordinator in a secondary school she was responsible for developing and managing provision for pupils with a wide range of additional needs. It was during this time and through links with the first primary nurture group in Cumbria that she realised the potential of nurture groups.

Working as a Behaviour and Attendance Improvement Programme coordinator involved working with schools to develop innovative approaches targeted towards addressing some of the ‘barriers to learning’ experienced by children and young people. Aiming to raise aspirations and ‘narrow the gap’ to secure active engagement and positive outcomes. As part of this programme a number of schools developed nurture groups. She coordinated networking and professional development opportunities including an annual nurture group conference in Cumbria.

Her commitment to nurture groups is from experience in seeing the positive outcomes for children, young people, parents and carers and schools.

What does nurture mean to you?

Nurture is about capitalising on strengths and addressing barriers to learning in a holistic manner. The individual being kept in mind. Remembering nurture has to be nurtured and that it is a marathon not a sprint!

What do you enjoy about working at nurtureuk?

I enjoy working in an organisation and with colleagues providing tools, training and support to practitioners, education settings, organisations and policy makers.