Students thrive when nurture is in our nature

Sir Ken Robinson and Alistair McConville argue for a creative approach to education to help children become fully rounded individuals (” `The education system is a dangerous myth’ ”, “Battle for the arts and minds”, 8 May).

But it needn’t be an eitheror situation: creativity or education as it currently seems to be. Effective nurture group practice can influence a “nurturing school” approach that will enable us to meet the varied learning needs of each child - social as well as educational - so that they can see, and realise, their potential. Nurturing builds children’s self-confidence and self-esteem, boosting the natural thirst for learning that too many teachers suppress in the cause of pursuing positive outside judgements.

Thankfully, more schools are becoming nurturing as they see the well-evidenced benefits for their students and teachers. Sir Ken and Mr McConville make a good case but they need to acknowledge the many teachers and leaders who appreciate the value of a creative approach and who stand up for the cause of supporting children to develop as rounded individuals.

Garry Freeman

Special educational needs coordinator and director of inclusion, Leeds

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