Welcome message from the Headteacher
Dear Parents/Carers,
Although it is difficult to sum up in a few words what makes our school special and unique – getting to know the children as individuals and their families is definitely one of the key principles held by our dedicated, exceptional staff team who work together to create a family feel. Our strong ‘child centred’ ethos and culture guarantees you a warm, friendly welcome at Brunswick.
We pride ourselves on providing a caring, happy and loving environment for young children to learn, thrive and flourish. Embedded in the school are our three school behaviours: ‘Child at the centre’, ‘Love what you do’ and ‘No-one left behind’ - these statements shape our direction, decisions and curriculum. We are an inclusive school; we value, nurture and support each and every child. There are times when people need something different - whether that is additional support or challenge to achieve and succeed - in understanding that equality does not mean treating every child in the same way we are able to personalise our approach for children who have a Special Educational Need and/or Disabilities and those that do not. Equally important to providing a safe, happy & caring environment is providing a quality curriculum where children have the time and space to develop through quality teaching and access to a broad range of opportunities and experiences. In the first few years of nursery and school, children learn and develop those early skills that become the building blocks needed in order to love learning, develop well and be their very best.
Our curriculum includes a broad range of enrichment and social opportunities that children experience, learn from and enjoy. One of those is our Forest Schools Programme where we regularly visit a local forest in the stunning Eden Valley. Children take part in a range of different activities over the year and the pleasure and development of new skills and confidence is rapid - our evidence has shown that outdoor learning is also a fantastic boost to well-being and mental health.
Our beautiful, traditional school building is in a central position in the market town of Penrith. Because children love to explore and learn outdoors (whatever the weather!), we have different spaces available on site including a large soft play area, growing garden and our very own ‘Jungle Garden’ which provide exciting, unique opportunities for learning and learning through play every day.
Please look at our website and particularly the 'Classes' page where you can hear from our dedicated team of teaching staff and read about some of the ways in which we approach teaching and learning - I hope it provides you with an insight into what makes our setting unique. If you have any questions or would like to visit school, please contact our office and they will be happy to arrange an appointment.
Sam Waugh
Headteacher
Ofsted January 2018
“Brunswick is a happy and welcoming school. The headteacher has generated a good team spirit among staff. She is well aware of the school’s strengths and areas for development and is determined to bring about further improvements.”
“The headteacher is ambitious and determined. She has a clear vision for the future of the school which is shared by staff and governors. She has created a welcoming and friendly school where staff morale is high and pupils are happy and hard-working.”