This paper examines the challenges facing research on nurture groups and on the wider field of nurture in education. A four-level model is proposed based on severity of need, ranging from universal applications in nurturing schools and communities, through to addressing the needs of children and young people whose needs are so great that a nurture group will provide only part of the solution. Consideration is given to the need for alternative provisions in situations where nurture groups are not feasible, such as in areas of low population density and providing for children with a lower threshold of needs. The paper concludes by proposing a coherent research agenda articulating with each of the four levels in the model.