Neilston Primary School and Madras Family Centre achieve prestigious accreditation

Published: 15 September 2025

Neilston Primary School and Madras Family Centre have once again been recognised for their exceptional commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment, achieving reaccreditation under the prestigious National Nurturing Schools Programme (NNSP).

Following a detailed assessment by nurtureuk, both the school and family centre were praised for embedding the Six Principles of Nurture across all aspects of their practice - ensuring every child feels known, valued, and supported to thrive both emotionally and academically.

Head Teacher Gerard Curley said: 'This is more than just a school, it feels more like a home where learning takes place. We are one team, and our shared commitment to nurturing relationships is what makes our community so special.'

Councillor Andrew Anderson, Convener for Education, added: 'We're committed to providing excellent experiences for all our young people and I'm delighted that the fabulous work at Neilston Primary and Madras Family Centre has been recognised with this national accreditation. The new Neilston Learning Campus is a wonderful facility, but you also need to create a culture that leads to excellence - which is clearly the case here. Well done to everyone involved.'

Key strengths highlighted in the report

• Strong relationships and community spirit: The school and family centre were commended for their "family and homelike feel". Parents, pupils, and staff consistently described Neilston and Madras as warm, safe, and community-driven, with an open-door approach that makes families feel welcomed and supported.
• Pupil-centred wellbeing and development: Staff use tools such as the Boxall Profile and Zones of Regulation to provide tailored support, helping children understand emotions, regulate behaviour, and build lifelong wellbeing skills. Pupils also play an active role in shaping their learning and environment.
• Collaborative Skills Academy: The innovative Skills Academy connects classroom learning with real-world experiences, working in partnership with local businesses and organisations to inspire future pathways and develop essential skills for life and work.
• Inclusive practice and positive relationships: A co-developed Positive Relationships Policy reflects the school's relational approach to behaviour and wellbeing. Staff described themselves as "a little family", highlighting the strong sense of belonging and mutual support.
• Community engagement: Strong links with local businesses, care homes, and charities provide families with additional support and opportunities - ranging from donated resources to intergenerational projects that strengthen community bonds.

The reaccreditation report encourages Neilston Primary and Madras Family Centre to continue:

• Embedding the Six Principles of Nurture across the curriculum.
• Using the Boxall Profile® to guide targeted support and smooth transitions.
• Creating opportunities for reflective practice among staff to sustain collaboration and innovation.

The reaccreditation, which runs until 2028, reflects the school and family centre's sustained excellence in nurturing education.

This was highlighted by the school and nursery's link educational psychologist, who said: "There is a warmth - a nice feeling here - every staff member greets you with a smile and a chat. It's a place where relationships are at the heart of everything."