Below are a number of parent testimonials from parents and carers of children who currently attend Thwaites School.

Any parents or carers who wish to add their own testimonial to this page, please contact Mr. Redhead via the school office:

Telephone: 01229 772554

Email: admin@thwaites.cumbria.sch.uk 

"I think I might struggle to find the words to express our appreciation for the care, guidance and support Thwaites School has given our children during their primary education.

The school is a huge part of our lives and deserves a massive amount of credit for the kind, confident and caring children that they are becoming. Thwaites is not just a school that they go to but a place where they can be themselves, where they can enjoy their learning whilst achieving success.

We love the school values of being ‘kind, honest, resilient and enthusiastic, to name a few, and we know that they will take these values with them when they move onto secondary school and also onto their adult working lives. Not only have you helped with their educational development, but with their personal development too.

All the staff are so approachable, dealing with any concerns before you are even aware they exist. The school has an ‘open door’ policy where the teaching staff are always available for you to speak to. The admin side of the school is fantastic too, with quick responses to emails and text messages to remind you of upcoming events such as non-uniform days for charity or to bring wellies for outdoor activities such as river dipping or for going out onto the field.

Since the appointment of Mr. Redhead, as headteacher, the curriculum has been redeveloped and showcased at an open afternoon. This allowed parents and the local community to come into school to see how the curriculum is being taught. The new curriculum includes a trip for each class, including Kepplewray, Coniston and London. I think, as a parent, that these are really important for the children to go on, and I’m happy the school recognises this too.

I think the school should be very proud of itself. We as parents certainly are."

Emily and Tony Barrow – Parent of a child in Year One and a child in Year Three

 

"All of our children have used the nursery function and then progressed into the main school environment at Thwaites School. Our experiences of Thwaites school have been really positive and, most importantly for us, our children are very happy. Our children have built valuable relationships with their peers, older children, and staff members. There is a feeling of community spirit at Thwaites, where the older children have the appropriate opportunities to interact with their younger peers during both play and learning. This allows relationships to develop outside the usual peer groups. Children are encouraged to develop and discuss their own interests at school and share their experiences from outside the school environment. We have also enjoyed our children telling us about different initiatives at school, such as becoming play leaders and the development of a new rewards shop.  

The new curriculum has brought great learning opportunities for our children, and it’s been great to see them develop academically. Regular parent’s evenings provide us with updates, and we have been able to have meaningful discussions with teaching staff in between these times when required. Thwaites also has great wrap around support both before and after school. We regularly use the after school club, which our children thoroughly enjoy."

Stuart and Marianna Benn - Parents of a child in a Nursery, a child in Reception and a child in Year One

 

"Thwaites is a small village school that strives to be at the heart of the community. The staff are dedicated to all pupils, knowing each individual child, not just those in their class. Parents are kept informed with regular newsletters, parents' meetings, and events, such as the curriculum afternoons.

We currently have two very happy children at Thwaites. Being a close-knit school, they have friends throughout all the year groups. The older children look after the younger ones, which creates a lovely family atmosphere.

I would recommend Thwaites to anyone looking for a friendly school with an innovative approach to learning. Our 2-year-old can’t wait to start!"

Liesel and Adam Slack - Parents of a child in Year Four and a child in Year Five

 

“I always knew I wanted my child to attend a small village school, and felt Thwaites was the perfect fit for him. As both a parent and a teacher, I am incredibly happy with what the school has to offer my son. Due to it being a small setting, staff know him on a personal level, which enables them to better support his learning, both academically, socially and emotionally.

It is great to see how the older children support the younger children in and around school, meaning that transitioning to a new class or year group is never daunting for them.

Since the introduction of a new curriculum, I know what my son is learning and when and that the knowledge and skills are well sequenced, which allows him to build on what he has learnt previously.

My child enjoys going to school each day, he is happy and is making excellent progress. I would highly recommend Thwaites School to any parent!”

Miss. Maria Jordan – Class teacher and parent of a child in Year Two