Friday August 7th 2026
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
The number of Glasgow primary nurture groups supporting children struggling in the classroom have reduced by nine.
Nurture groups in primaries have decreased from 68 to 59 due to teachers being redeployed or absent.
Councillor John Daly asked whether the reduction in nurture provision at primary schools is “impacting overall attainment”.
He said: “The figure remained at 68 until quite recently and in the last two years it has fallen to 59 – that is a loss of nine nurture teachers.”
Speaking at a council meeting this week, the Conservative councillor and former headteacher asked which schools the “nurture teachers” have “disappeared” from and the attainment results.
A council official said the information could be provided directly to councillor Daly during Wednesday’s operational performance and delivery scrutiny committee.
Nurture groups catering for up to six children take place in primary schools in the mornings for pupils from P1 to P3.
They are staffed by a teacher and a support for learning worker. The groups aim to help children who find it difficult to learn with others for a number of reasons including being withdrawn or angry.
Glasgow’s approach to nurture groups has been described as a success story and other councils have been trained in the city’s methods.
Many children taking part in the groups in primary schools are from deprived areas of the city.
Councillor Graham Campbell previously said the nurture approach has helped with attainment gains in the city.
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