Beyond nurture groups to 'nurturing approaches': a preliminary investigation of the Heddlu Bach (Mini Police) scheme in Welsh Primary Schools

The concept of nurture establishes the importance of supporting children’s social and emotional skills, wellbeing and behaviour. As such, a Welsh Police Force implemented the Heddlu Bach (Mini Police) scheme in three Welsh Primary schools in the 2017-18 academic year. Using an evaluation research design, three focus groups were undertaken in each of the three schools with pupils that were involved in the scheme. Supplementary methods included semi-structured interviews with other stakeholders (teachers, teaching assistants, police community support officers), as well as documentary evidence in the form of pupil/school biographical information. The results reveal that the scheme developed children’s aspirations, resilience, and self-esteem/self-worth. The children were engaged and immersed in their mini police ‘duties’ and this resulted in a positive view of both their own abilities, the police and police work. This engagement was set against a backdrop of communities within areas of social and economic disadvantage, and where the police are often viewed adversely. By being part of the scheme, the children gained a range of transferable skills and attributes. Wider benefits were also evident with whole family/community/school engagement and curriculum aspects relating to personal and social development, nurture, citizenship and environmental issues.