ABOUT US
At Northstar Nurture School, education is not a static process, but a living, evolving journey. We recognise that every child comes to us with their own story, abilities and aspirations. Our curriculum is carefully crafted to honour this diversity, ensuring each learner is met with curiosity, confidence, and unwavering support. We believe that learning is most meaningful when it moves in rhythm with the unique pace and needs of each child.
Our Aim
At Northstar Nurture School, we aim to:
- Enable all our pupils to learn, engage and achieve at their individual level
- Promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development
- Develop communication, emotional regulation and social understanding
- Build independence, resilience and confidence
- Prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life
Our Curriculum Approach
We believe that our curriculum at Northstar Nurture School:
- Meets the individual needs of all our learners
- Is developmentally appropriate and responsive to pupils’ communication, sensory and emotional needs
- Promotes inclusion, diversity and equal access to learning
- Extends pupils’ experiences through practical, real-life and sensory-rich learning
- Celebrates progress and achievement
- Develops key skills, including communication, independence and emotional regulation
- Enables pupils to learn, socialise and participate in supported activities
- Meets statutory and legal educational requirements
Our Provision
Northstar Nurture School is a specialist day provision for pupils aged 7 to 16 with autism and complex additional needs whose needs cannot be fully met within mainstream settings. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or are in the process of statutory assessment for an EHCP.
Teaching and learning enable pupils to make sense of the world and to develop the communication, emotional understanding and life skills needed to participate more fully in learning and daily life.
Leadership and Quality of Provision
Northstar Nurture School is led by Mr Euan Macdonald, Proprietor and Headteacher, who brings significant experience in the leadership of specialist provisions. Mr Macdonald also leads another school that has been judged outstanding by Ofsted, providing strong assurance of high standards, safeguarding and secure leadership.
The leadership team has established clear systems for curriculum delivery, staff training, safeguarding and quality assurance. These systems ensure consistent, responsive practice, with teaching, therapeutic support and pastoral care working together to provide a well-structured learning experience for pupils.
Alongside the Headteacher, the Deputy Headteacher supports the leadership and development of the school. As part of the senior leadership team, Mr Domenico Cusumano has supported the establishment of the school and the implementation of curriculum pathways, therapeutic approaches and operational systems, contributing to a consistent and personalised approach to provision.
The teaching and support team includes staff who have previously worked together within successful specialist and alternative provision settings. This shared experience supports high expectations, effective teamwork and a strong understanding of the needs of pupils with autism and complex additional needs.
The school has been carefully developed to provide a calm, structured and nurturing environment, enabling pupils to feel safe, build confidence and make meaningful progress.
Northstar Nurture School is a specialist day provision for pupils aged 7 to 16 with autism and complex additional needs whose needs cannot be fully met within mainstream settings. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or are in the process of statutory assessment for an EHCP.
Teaching and learning enable pupils to make sense of the world and to develop the communication, emotional understanding and life skills needed to participate more fully in learning and daily life.
Safeguarding Statement
At Northstar Nurture School, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a safe, caring and secure environment in which pupils are protected from harm and able to learn and thrive.
Safeguarding is the responsibility of all adults working in or with the school. Robust policies, procedures and training ensure that safeguarding practice is consistent and compliant with statutory guidance and local authority requirements.
Staff are trained to recognise behaviour as a form of communication and to respond appropriately to concerns, particularly in relation to pupils with autism and complex needs.
Northstar Nurture School is a specialist day provision for pupils aged 7 to 16 with autism and complex additional needs whose needs cannot be fully met within mainstream settings. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or are in the process of statutory assessment for an EHCP.
Teaching and learning enable pupils to make sense of the world and to develop the communication, emotional understanding and life skills needed to participate more fully in learning and daily life.
Designated Safeguarding Leads
- Mr Euan Macdonald – Proprietor and Headteacher (Designated Safeguarding Lead)
- Mr Domenico Cusumano – Deputy Headteacher (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead)
The school’s leadership and governance arrangements reflect a clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities. Ofsted noted that leaders, including the proprietor, have completed appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment training and have established systems to identify, record and respond to safeguarding concerns.
Northstar Nurture School works in partnership with families, local authorities and external agencies, including social care and health professionals, to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils through effective information sharing and collaborative working.
Northstar Nurture School is a specialist day provision for pupils aged 7 to 16 with autism and complex additional needs whose needs cannot be fully met within mainstream settings. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or are in the process of statutory assessment for an EHCP.
Teaching and learning enable pupils to make sense of the world and to develop the communication, emotional understanding and life skills needed to participate more fully in learning and daily life.