MP Neil Hudson has visited Appleby Primary School to hear about its partnership projects with the local community and the innovative educational programme it developed with The Outward Bound Trust UK.
The school’s programme with the Outward Bound Trust helps to provide vital opportunities to children for fresh air and exercise.
Dr Hudson also visited the strategic resourced provision area at the school, which provides education for those with additional needs.
He said: “It was a pleasure to visit Appleby Primary School and great to see it in such good health.
“The school, led superbly by David Spruce, plays such an important role in the community.
“A particular highlight was seeing the brilliant facilities for pupils with additional needs available at the school (including developmental delay, severe general learning needs, physical medical needs, and social and emotional needs).
“An example of the school’s contribution to the local community is its Reading Role Models project in which it has recruited and trained a group of around 20 volunteers to read to the children.
“The partnership with the Outward Bound Trust is a splendid idea as education should always extend beyond the classroom.
“It should never be forgotten that a key element of effective learning is that children are enjoying themselves and having fun.
“A good balance between outdoor and indoor education can only help to improve educational outcomes overall. I have been a long-term campaigner for the Outdoor Education Sector and it is great to see Appleby School utilising the expertise of Outward Bound instructors.
It is testament to the hard work of the teachers and administrators at the school that it has been nominated by parents and shortlisted as finalists for Cumbria Early Years Provider of the Year.
“This is a fantastic achievement and on the evidence I saw, I see no reason why they cannot go on to win the award!”
Mr Spruce said: “We were delighted to welcome Neil to Appleby Primary School.
“He was very interested to learn about our role as a Strategic Resourced Provision supporting children with additional learning needs and the amazing work of our wonderful specialist team.
“We enjoyed the opportunity to share with our innovative approach to supporting children and families throughout the pandemic and since the start of term and it was very rewarding to have our efforts recognised.”
