Colgrain Primary in Helensburgh opens new 'nurture room'

‘The Oasis’ is a purposefully designed and resourced environment, created to support children when they are experiencing some emotional or social challenges in their lives.

The school’s vision is to enable all children to reach their full potential, and be the best they can be, and the creation of the nurture room helps to achieve this.

Invited guests at the opening included Commodore Donald Doull of HMNB Clyde, staff from health and social care services, and members of the Play Therapy and Active Schools teams.

Head teacher Johanna McClelland spoke about how the room will be used and the benefits of providing nurture to young people, while presentations were given by Mrs McClelland, Depute Head Linda Candlish, and Nurture Class Teacher Christine Walker.

Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, said: “The Oasis provides pupils with a safe, predictable environment where the unique developmental needs of each child are met.

“We want the very best start for our children and young people, and nurture rooms such as this look at the learning and social and emotional needs of young people, and help them to remove any barriers to learning.

“Mental health awareness in our schools is something I feel very strongly about and it is vital that young people feel able to speak out if they are struggling.

"The Oasis is a great way of encouraging this and I would like to congratulate everyone at Colgrain on this fantastic initiative.”