New Leaf Centre - Penrith

15/05/2026

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09/05/2026

Grateful to those across the country who spent today advocating for SEND children, young people and their families.

The voices and lived experiences of SEND families must remain central to conversations about the future of inclusive education.

03/05/2026

🌿We were pleased to recently welcome Cumberland Council to New Leaf Centre as part of their annual Quality Assurance visit. We also hosted a visit from Westmorland and Furness Council and look forward to sharing their feedback in due course.🌿

We are proud to share that the feedback received so far recognises key strengths across leadership, safeguarding, curriculum, and environment:

✨ “Leadership has a clear vision....a beacon of excellence.”
✨ “Safeguarding is strong, with robust systems.”
✨ “The curriculum is evolving with clear, bespoke outcomes linked to individual needs.”
✨ “Staff know young people well and prioritise wellbeing through a therapeutic approach.”
✨ “The setting is well organised, calm and attractive.”
✨ “The centre has a buzz and energy.”

The visit highlighted our commitment to providing a safe, well-led and nurturing environment, alongside a developing curriculum that supports both academic progress and individual needs.

As a growing provision, we remain focused on maintaining high standards, strengthening practice, and achieving the best possible outcomes for every young person.

We appreciate the ongoing support and collaboration from both Local Authorities.

27/04/2026

🌿☀️ Summer has truly come alive at the New Leaf Centre! ☀️🌿

Last week learning has taken us beyond the classroom and into the great outdoors with the stunning backdrop of the Lake District fells inspiring every moment.

Our learners have been getting hands on building a beautiful willow hut, now a calm, cosy space for quiet time, reading and recharging for everyone. Watching it come together has been something special!

We’ve also launched our new therapeutic curriculum, supporting young people with autism, ADHD, and PDA, while promoting emotional wellbeing and positive mental health in meaningful, engaging ways. 💛

And of course, there’s been plenty of fun too — football practices, badminton games and lots of time spent relaxing in hammocks under the sunshine.

What a week it had been, full of energy, creativity and smiles. We can’t wait to see what this week brings! 🌟

23/04/2026

🌿 Meet Nutella, one of the pygmy goats due to join us at the beginning of June… 🐐✨

Looks like he’s already showing us exactly what he’s about - bold, curious, and not one for unnecessary rules.

At New Leaf, we’re big fans of doing things your own way and a bit of creative problem-solving, so he should settle in just fine!

We’re looking forward to welcoming him 🌿

21/04/2026

🌿 A great start to the new term at the New Leaf Centre, Penrith! 🌿

We’ve been making the most of the outdoors, getting hands on with nature and enjoying every moment. From planting potatoes with our new cook Jean 🥔, to creating a peaceful willow space that’s slowly becoming a cosy hut. It’s been wonderful to see everyone so engaged.

We’ve also been checking in on our resident animals and settling back into our routines in such a calm and positive way.

Here’s to a term full of fresh air, creativity and growing together 🌱

20/04/2026

Some fab resources at Autism Central.

They are all free and fully funded by Anna Freud and NHS covering a whole range of topics and peer support.

Join a free online support group for parents and families of autistic children, young people and adults. Learn, reflect, support and work together, sharing knowledge and skills, including virtual meet-ups, education family guide sessions and reflective sessions. All events are free NHS England commi...

18/04/2026

Have your say on local SEND provision.

Westmorland and Furness SEND Partnership are inviting parents and carers to join an online session on 28 April as part of the SEND Reform Consultation.

Your voice matters - see details details below.

15/04/2026

🌿 Over the Easter holidays, it seems our tropical residents decided the centre was finally quiet enough to start a family… 🐟

This morning we had a bit of a surprise - baby fish! Our shoal has officially expanded, much to everyone’s excitement (and a fair bit of nose-to-the-tank inspection throughout the day).

Naturally, this led to an urgent trip out for a nursery/quarantine tank… because responsible fishkeeping is important… 👀.....…and of course, purely by coincidence, a few new “friends” may have also made their way home with us.

Who knew our fish were quite so productive when left unsupervised! 🐠✨

10/04/2026

🌿 We hope everyone has had a lovely Easter break!

We are really looking forward to welcoming learners back to the Centre on Monday as we begin an exciting new summer term.

We have lots to look forward to over the coming weeks, including the introduction of our new and improved curriculum and timetabling, as well as some brilliant projects and activities planned across the Centre.

We understand that returning after a break can be tricky for some young people, so please remember we are here to support you. If you need anything at all, just get in touch.

We can’t wait to see everyone again - we’ve missed you all! 🫶🌿