Development of the whole child through a curriculum that focuses on physical development, wellbeing and mental health remains a central part of how Braithwaite CE Primary School operates.
In March 2020 it was named School of the Week by local paper the News and Star and despite everything that has happened since that time with COVID-19, it remains committed to provide the highest level of education possible.
Based in the Lake District National Park, Braithwaite Primary is a small community-focused school and nursery with just over 40 pupils between the ages of three and 11 on roll.
Executive headteacher Jo Laker has helped the school go from strength to strength since arriving, evidenced by its "good" Ofsted rating from the latest inspection, with this focus on development of the whole child running through everything her and the staff team do.
For example, when speaking to the News and Star last year, teacher Anne Francis explained that outdoor learning was something she felt helped set Braithwaite apart from other schools and this was echoed by Mrs Laker in her recent contribution to The Parliamentary Review.
"Blessed with plenty of space and a fantastic location, we have constructed our own forest school, which we use with pupils of all age groups throughout the school week," she wrote.
"Supporting the emotional, mental and physical development of children, use of the forest school has positively impacted the relationships pupils are able to build with one another, while also improving concentration in the classroom. The sessions are very child-centred and aim to teach skills that they can apply in other contexts."
Offering an inclusive education is another area the school has placed plenty of emphasis on, something the school has done by increasing links within the community.
This has helped students understand more about different "environments, faiths and cultures", and it was something Mrs Laker discussed in her recent piece.
"Inclusivity and diversity are celebrated and encouraged," she said.
"Not only are children taught about the importance of these values, but we also have development partnerships within the wider community and with schools of contrasting environments, faiths and cultures.
"Our curriculum is specially designed to look at spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, while we look to empower our pupils to call out and challenge injustice and inequality."
