# data[].attributes.body
Many of our pupils now have a school lunch - with 95% trying this years' Christmas dinner - what a success for our new kitchen and cook Mrs James.

Check the menus if your child would like to try a school lunch.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.

# data[].attributes.headline
Use the following links to talk about staying safe online with your family. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Use the following links to talk about staying safe online with your family. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Campaigning for change

We fight to change laws to make society safer for children. Our Wild West Web campaign has pushed for new regulations through the Online Safety Bill to make sure websites, apps and games are safe for children to use. But the draft Bill doesn't go far enough to protect children.
Help us end the Wild West Web

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Understanding online safety is tricky for all ages - we have advice and guides to help you learn about staying safe online as a family.

# data[].attributes.headline
We are introducing the Happier Children's Project to some children across school - these resources may help parents at home. 

# data[].attributes.subject
We are introducing the Happier Children's Project to some children across school - these resources may help parents at home. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Schools - Lesson Resources | Save the Children UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Download lesson resources and activity cards to help develop school children’s emotional intelligence.

# data[].attributes.body
We hope to see as many parents and governors there as possible!

# data[].attributes.body
Christmas hat-making success!

# data[].attributes.headline
Key Stage One trip to the basic moves festival. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Key Stage One trip to the basic moves festival. 

# data[].attributes.body
A throw back to Christmas - some nativity pictures for you to enjoy :)

# data[].attributes.body
Working Together: Our Home-School Agreement

At the heart of our school is a strong partnership between home and school. Our Home-School Agreement outlines the shared values, responsibilities, and expectations that help us work together to support every child’s learning and wellbeing.

While not every family may have signed the agreement formally, we want to emphasise that its spirit is something we hope all families will engage with. It’s not just a document — it’s a reflection of the trust, collaboration, and mutual respect that make our school community so special. If you are able to sign and return or wish another copy, please contact the school office.

Whether it’s supporting learning at home, attending events, communicating openly, or simply encouraging kindness and resilience, every contribution helps our children thrive. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

# data[].attributes.body
Looking for something fun to do with your little one? Come and join us for our "Come and Play" sessions – relaxed, friendly, and full of playtime fun!

No need to book – just turn up!

# data[].attributes.body
Please see attached our term dates.

# data[].attributes.body
Home time is at 3:15pm. We ask parents to wait in the playground at the front of school and the children will leave via their classes when a member of staff has seen the adult designated to collect them.

Children going home on the bus are taken by a member of staff and seen safely on to the bus.

Please let us know in the morning or by phone if there is a change to the usual collecting arrangements for your child as we cannot let a child go home with someone else unless we have been asked to do so by their parent or carer, even if the other person is known to us.

After school club is available from 3.15-5pm Monday-Thursday. Please book ahead of time via Parent Pay. Please arrive by 5pm to collect your child. Staff are not paid beyond this time and may have their own responsibilities to attend to.

# data[].attributes.body
Breakfast Club is available from 8am every day. Book in on Parent Pay. If you wish to use the free breakfast club from 8.15am, please ensure you have booked via the office (in advance). This is necessary so we can provide correct staffing and food orders.

# data[].attributes.body
The school day starts at 8.45am

The gate and doors open from 8:40am with registration at 8.45am.  Breakfast club is available from 8am - 8.45am. Lessons begin at 8.45am immediately after registration.

# data[].attributes.headline
🥪 Healthy Packed Lunches & Water Only! 💧

# data[].attributes.subject
🥪 Healthy Packed Lunches & Water Only! 💧

# data[].attributes.body
Let’s Fuel Our Children for Success!

Why it matters:

✅ Helps your child concentrate and learn better

✅ Supports healthy growth and development

✅ Builds long-term healthy eating habits

✅ Keeps energy levels balanced throughout the day

What to Pack:

🥗 A healthy sandwich or wrap

🍎 Fresh fruit or veggie sticks

🧀 A small portion of dairy (like cheese or yogurt)

🍞 Whole grain snacks

💧 A bottle of water only – no juice or fizzy drinks, please!

Please Avoid:

❌ Sugary snacks or chocolate bars

❌ Fizzy drinks or juice

❌ Highly processed foods

❌ Nuts (we are a nut-avoiding school)

📢 Top Tip: Let your child help pack their lunch—it encourages better eating!

Together, let’s support happy, healthy, focused learners!

Thank you for helping us promote wellbeing at school.

# data[].attributes.headline
The NSPCC has a huge bank of resources to support families. 

# data[].attributes.subject
The NSPCC has a huge bank of resources to support families. 

# data[].attributes.body
This term, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on a truly special book: The Place of Tides by James Rebanks, a celebrated local author and farmer who lives just near Mrs. Dobinson. This beautifully crafted story explores the rhythms of nature, the power of place, and the deep ties between people and the land. It’s a book that invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the world around us—perfect for sparking meaningful conversations both in school and at home.

At Culgaith CE School, we believe reading should feel like an adventure, not a chore. One of the best ways to nurture a love of books is by creating opportunities for children to discover stories that excite and inspire them. That’s why, alongside sharing Rebanks’ work, our pupils will once again take part in the Spellbinding Book Project with the Cumbria Library Service. This fantastic initiative introduces children to a wide range of authors and genres, helping them explore new worlds and develop a lifelong passion for reading.

We can’t wait to see the journeys these stories take our children on—and maybe even the grown-ups too!

# data[].attributes.headline
Kooth is a confidential platform for children in Year 6 and up to have a safe place to seek support. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Kooth is a confidential platform for children in Year 6 and up to have a safe place to seek support. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kooth is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

# data[].attributes.headline
Westmorland and Furness SEND information and services.

# data[].attributes.subject
Westmorland and Furness SEND information and services.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The SEND Local Offer is the central information point for families with children and young people aged up to 25 years with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

If you have would like to contact a member of the SEND Team, please see contact details below:
Barrow, Eden and South Lakes
inclusion.bandsl@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Tel: 01229 407403 You can also download our new Westmorland and Furness SEND Structure Chart [PDF 197KB] to contact a member of the SEND Team. Please note: Some web pages and service records are currently duplicated across both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness sites. In due course, information will be split across the 2 new authorities.

News and events

1. Westmorland and Furness Council Library Service is hosting a variety of fantastic events over the coming weeks. The Summer Reading Challenge continues to play an...

2. Sign up for Newsletters to keep up to date with Cumbria's Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Continuous Improvement Plan...

3. On the 1 of April 2023 the Local Government Reorganisation will come into effect, and Cumbria County Council as well as the 6 district councils...

4. If there are particular areas of work or themes that you would like support with, activities or events then do let us know. We would...

5. News and Opinions All the latest news from across the SEND sector alongside expert comment and stories from the ground. News, blogs, resources, events and...

View all news articles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Families Information | Westmorland and Furness SEND Local Offer

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The SEND Local Offer is the central information point for families with children and young people aged up to 25 years with special educational needs and/or disabilities. If you have would like to contact a member of the SEND Team, please see contact details below:...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
LINK is a Social Prescribing Service for Children and Young People aged 5 to 19 in Cumbria.
LINK works alongside GP practice teams in Carlisle, Penrith & Eden, Keswick & Solway and Longtown & Brampton Primary Care Networks (PCN), to support children and young people with their emotional health and wellbeing.
LINK is a personalised service - every child and young person works with a link worker to establish what is important to them as individuals and to find a solution that works for them.
Children and young people must be registered to a GP surgery or attend a school within one of the above PCN areas and can be referred into the Service by their GP, other healthcare professional or professional at school.

Our offer:
* 1 to 1 support with a Link Worker
* Assessment tools based on Signs of Wellbeing
* Drop-in Wellbeing Groups in various settings
* Working widely with other community groups

Area's of support:
* Confidence & low self esteem
* Social Isolation
* Peer difficulties
* School related worries
* Community Engagement
* Future goal setting
* Developing resilience
* Worry management
* Family relationships
* Coping with stress & mild anxiety

Instagram: @linkcumbria Facebook: LINK Cumbria

We can help with

Mental health

Services supporting children and young people's emotional health and wellbeing. We have centres where children and young people can visit and have a trained worker they can trust and talk to. We help them build their confidence and get to the root of their difficulties.

Find out more about Mental health

Search for Mental health services

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cumbria LINK - Young People's Social Prescribing Service

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
LINK is a Social Prescribing Service for Children and Young People aged 5 to 19 in Cumbria. LINK works alongside GP practice teams in Carlisle, Penrith & Eden,

# data[].attributes.headline
Free School Meals - is not just free school meals! This grant is worth applying for even if your child already receives Infant free school meals. It actually provides school with a pot of money called Pupil Premium which can support your child's education in lots of ways. For more information - check out our website: https://www.culgaith.cumbria.sch.uk/additional-funding/ 

# data[].attributes.subject
Free School Meals - is not just free school meals! This grant is worth applying for even if your child already receives Infant free school meals. It actually provides school with a pot of money called Pupil Premium which can support your child's education in lots of ways. For more information - check out our website: https://www.culgaith.cumbria.sch.uk/additional-funding/ 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Qualifying for free school meals and school clothing vouchers

If you already get free school meals and clothing grants you do not need to apply for each school year.

Benefits you receive

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

the guaranteed element of Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit - Provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit. Also your annual gross income of no morethan £16,190

Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

Universal Credit - if your household income is less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Benefits your child receives

Children who get paid these benefits paid to them, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they'll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they're in on 31 March 2025.

If you receive working tax credits you may not be eligible for free school meals or clothing grants.

Any child receiving Income Support or Income Based Jobseekers Allowance in their own right is also entitled to get free school meals.

Free schools meals are available to statutory school aged children attending full time education. Full education is full days 9am to 3pm, this excludes private nurseries and further education colleges.

Apply for free school meals and school clothing vouchers

If you already get free school meals and clothing grants you do not need to apply for each school year.
Apply for free school meals and school clothing vouchers
Where possible all parents and guardians should apply online.

You will need to register on the Citizen Portal to do this.

If you apply online you will receive an immediate response telling you if you are eligible for the vouchers.

If you can't apply online please contact us:

Call us: 0300 373 3300
Email: FSM.ClothingGrants@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Write to:
Free School Meal and School Clothing Grants
PO BOX 304
Kendal
LA9 9GY

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Apply online to see if your child or children can get free school meals and clothing vouchers. In certain circumstances free school meals are available to families with no recourse to public funds.

# data[].attributes.headline
As always, all our diary dates are published on our school calendar. If you would like to link this with you own calendar, you can do so via the website. 

# data[].attributes.subject
As always, all our diary dates are published on our school calendar. If you would like to link this with you own calendar, you can do so via the website. 

# data[].attributes.body
Dear Families and Friends,

Welcome back to a new term, a new year, and an incredibly special milestone—our 150th year at Culgaith CE School 2026 promises to be an exciting time as we celebrate this significant anniversary in our school’s history.

We began the year by reflecting on the beauty of the snowdrop—a small but powerful reminder that spring is on its way. This term, our theme is ‘Courage.’ Together with the children, we’ll explore what courage looks like in everyday life: whether it’s taking a first residential trip to Patterdale, venturing to Paris, mastering a new gymnastic skill, or persevering through challenging tasks. We’ll encourage our pupils to understand that feeling fear is natural, but with perseverance and bravery, confidence and resilience grow.

We look forward to all that 2026 will bring and to sharing these special moments with you.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Dobinson
Headteacher

# data[].attributes.body
We have had an incredible response to our food scheme. We now have 3 collections - Sainsburys on Mondays, Tuesdays Fareshare at Rheged and Wednesday nights M&S.

Thank you to our amazing band of helpers during the Summer holidays who were able to help raise £1400. Support from the village has been fantastic.

To keep the schemes going we rely fully on our parent and staff volunteers. If you are able to help for any collection, any week, just let Mrs Jackson know in the office.

# data[].attributes.body
At Culgaith CE School, we believe every person is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Each child is a unique and precious part of our school family, and together we create an environment where everyone can flourish in friendship, respect, and compassion.

Spirituality is woven into daily life here. It’s about those moments of awe and wonder—pausing to notice the beauty of nature, asking big questions, and reflecting on something greater than ourselves. Through Forest School, our Eco-Council, and opportunities to care for living things, we encourage children to look beyond themselves and develop empathy, responsibility, and hope.

Our Christian values—Friendship, Forgiveness, Perseverance, Respect, Courage, Generosity, and Compassion—guide how we learn and how we treat one another. This term, as we explore the theme of Courage, we’ll help children understand that bravery often begins with small steps: trying something new, speaking up, or persevering when things feel hard.

We invite parents and carers to join us in modelling these values in everyday interactions. By showing kindness, respect, and courtesy, we set the example we want our children to follow. Together, we can ensure Culgaith CE School remains a place where every person feels valued, respected, and truly wonderfully made.

# data[].attributes.body
Nasal Flu Vaccinations will be on Thursday 13th November 2025. Please make sure you have filled out the Nasal Flu E-Consent Form - This will be found in your emails.

# data[].attributes.headline
Apply for a Reception Place 2026/27 academic year

# data[].attributes.subject
Apply for a Reception Place 2026/27 academic year

# data[].attributes.body
Applications for reception places will open on 3rd September 2025 and will close on 15th January 2026.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Apply for a reception place | Westmorland and Furness Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When you need to apply, how to apply and when you will receive an outcome for a reception place.

# data[].attributes.body
12.2.26 - Gymnastics at Penrith Leisure Centre - Reception-Year 6

14.1.26. -Cumbria Fire Service Visit to school

15.1.26 - Height, weight and vision screening Y6 & Reception

16.1.26 - Inter-school Quiz at Asby - selected pupils

19.1.26 - Gymnastics

23.1.26 - KS 1 Tri-golf - Appleby Sports Hall

26.1.26 - Gymnastics

27.1.26 - Year 6 to Morland - Polydron workshop

28.1.26 - County Cross-country finals @Sedbergh - selected pupils

30.1.26 - Enrichment cluster music event - Selected pupils

2.2.26 - Whole School writing week

2.2.26 - Gymnastics

4.2.26 - Come and Play (all babies/toddlers/pre-school welcome)

5.2.26 - Screen Savvy workshop - Class 3

9.2.26 - Gymnastics

12.2.26 - Young Voices trip to Manchester - Year 3-6

13.2.26 - Come and Play

13.2.26 - Break-up for half-term.

# data[].attributes.body
See below for just a few or our superstars from last term!

# data[].attributes.body
After a lot of hard-work our new extension has been completed. We are very grateful to the diocese buildings team and David Whiteside along with Chris Roland from Roland Hill for competing these works and helping us to stay safe during the building project. The additional space and facilities are already having a great impact on learning and space for everyone in school. We are continuing to fundraise towards the completion costs of the building works and ready for our next project!

# data[].attributes.body
Westmorland and Furness Family Hub have a wealth of resources available to support families in all aspects of life. Click above to see what they offer.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Support, advice and guidance for you and your family aged 4 to 11 years.

# data[].attributes.body
For all things health related, see the 0-19 Growing Healthy information service from Westmorland and Furness.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to Growing Healthy 0-19 years services in Westmorland & Furness
Click to view our clinics

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust is responsible for providing 0-19 services in Westmorland & Furness.

Single Point of contact telephone number: 0300 304 9039

The role of the 0-5 Service is to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of children under five and their families. The 5-19 team promotes and protects the health and wellbeing of all children and young people aged 5 to 19.

0-5 Children's Service

All families with a child under five in Westmorland & Furness have access to a Growing Healthy 0-5 Team consisting of health visitors, Screeners, early years practitioners and infant feeding specialists. They provide expert health assessments, advice, support and interventions for babies, children and families.

The team encourages and supports parents and carers to develop life-long skills to enable them to make informed choices that affect their family's future health and wellbeing.

The team is community-based and is accessible at a range of different venues including the family home, Family centres and community venues. The service works in partnership with other agencies to ensure all families receive individualised and appropriate support.

Health Visitors

Health visitors are registered nurses or midwives who have an additional qualification in specialist community public health nursing. They are highly skilled in the assessment and co-ordination of support tailored to individual and family needs.

The team aims to help build parents' confidence in their ability to give their child the best start in life and listen carefully and support when parents have concerns. It identifies and builds on what is going well, and provides information to help parents find their own solutions to problems where possible.

The Westmorland & Furness Growing Healthy 0-5 Service offers a programme of:

Immunisation advice

Developmental reviews

Maternal and Infant Mental Health Support

Information and guidance to support parenting and healthy lifestyle choices

Healthy Child Programme (HCP)

The Healthy Child Programme (HCP) is a public health programme for children, young people and families which focuses on early intervention and prevention. The HCP offers a programme of screening tests, immunisations, developmental reviews, information and guidance to support parenting and healthy lifestyle choices.

The Healthy Child Programme contacts include:

Antenatal contact

New birth visit at 10-14 days

Contact at 6-8 weeks

Contact at 3-4 months

Contact at 6-9 months

A child health review/development assessment by one year of age

Contact at 18 months

A child health review/development assessment by two and a half years of age

A child health review/development assessment may be offered between 3-5 years

Some common areas of information and support:

Pregnancy and transition into parenthood

Infant feeding/ specialist breast feeding support

Growth and nutrition

Healthy eating

Dental health

Development

Behaviour

Accident prevention

Safe sleeping

Speech and language development

Immunisations

Common childhood illness/infection

Safeguarding

Postnatal depression and emotional wellbeing

Parenting

Our service is delivered in partnership with a range of health, social and education organisations and teams including:

CAMHS

Early Help

Early Years Education providers

GPs/paediatricians

Voluntary sector

Sexual Health Services

Child health clinics

Child health and infant feeding clinics are held across Westmorland & Furness, see clinic tab at the top of the page. Clinic appointments can be booked via the Children's Health Services App or by calling 0300 304 9039

Referral

The service accepts referrals from:

Midwifery services

GPs and other professionals

Self-referral from parents/carers

Other statutory and voluntary agencies

Westmorland & Furness

SEND Local Offer

Click Here

5-19 Healthy Child Service

We work with children, young people and families to empower and enable them to make informed decisions about health and to support them in transitioning safely and happily into adult life. The Westmorland & Furness Growing Healthy 5-19 Team works in the home and community settings to deliver universal and targeted interventions designed to meet public health outcomes. We ensure the emotional and physical health and wellbeing of families, children and young people across Westmorland & Furness.

We provide a service to all children and young people of school age, and their families, whether or not they are attending school. The service is based on the Healthy Child Programme from 5-19 years old. We offer advice and information and assess health needs on children entering school and on transfer to secondary schools. We are the first point of contact for schools when there are concerns about a child's health and wellbeing.

We are also responsible for:

Measuring and weighing children in reception and year 6 as part of the National Child Measurement Programme

Universal screening for vision and audiology for reception children

Providing first level enuresis (involuntary urination) advice and support

Providing emotional health and wellbeing support

Supporting children and families with additional health needs or disability

Parenting and behavioural problems

Risk taking behaviour including drugs and alcohol

Stop smoking advice

Relationships, sexual health and pregnancy

Promoting healthy lifestyles in schools and communities through health education

Specialist advice and support will also be offered to:

Children in need of protection and their families; children and families in need; foster carers and children who are in care.

Growing HealthyWestmorland & Furness 5-19 Team

The team comprises specialist community public health nurses , community staff nurses , Public Health Practitioner, school screeners and health administrators.

We work closely with Health Visitors so that children and families with complex health and social care needs are identified early. We support the development and implementation of health management plans to promote the child's health and wellbeing, school attendance, education and attainment.

When young people and families require targeted interventions, these may be provided solely by the School Nursing Team.

Service Manager - Diane Chew

Contact Us

Need Support?

Call us or send us a message below

Used one of our services?

Give us your feedback!

Westmorland & Furness - Children & Young People Survey

Westmorland & Furness - Health Visiting Survey

Speak to a health visitor on our live chat

Download our app to get started

Download Our App

x

What would you like to search for?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Growing Healthy 0-19 Westmorland & Furness | HDFT Childrens Health Service

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust is responsible for providing 0-19 services in Westmorland & Furness through a Section 75 Agreement.