Braeburn Primary and Nursery Academy has been making strides in fostering a lifelong love of movement, thanks to the Opening School Facilities (OSF) programme. Through a fun-first approach, the school ensures that pupils, families, and the wider community develop positive personal relationships with physical activity.
Building a Culture of Movement
Braeburn’s strategy centres on enjoyment over competition—emphasizing effort, confidence, and resilience over winning. The school’s diverse activity offering ensures all pupils feel welcome, regardless of ability, while creating a supportive and inclusive environment. From encouraging physical activity during social times to breaking down parental barriers to participation, Braeburn has worked hard to reshape attitudes toward movement.
The impact of these efforts was especially evident during the school’s community cycling event on March 23, 2025, where families joined together to exercise, bond, and experience the joy of movement first-hand.
The Interplay of Physical, Emotional & Cognitive Development
Braeburn recognizes that physical activity isn’t just about movement—it’s also about pupil’s Physical Literacy and how children think, feel, and connect. The school offers a range of opportunities to develop key physical and cognitive skills:
- Skill-building activities in PE and social times (running, jumping, throwing).
- Individual and team sports, including gymnastics, dance, and recreational games.
- Encouraging problem-solving and self-reflection in physical activity.
- Helping children manage emotions during competitive and non-competitive activities.
- Promoting sportsmanship and respect among pupils.
Braeburn’s ten-week dance club, which actively engaged pupils, is a testament to the school’s dedication to holistic development through movement.
Youth & Parent Voice: Shaping the Future
Understanding the social and environmental factors that shape the school community is central to Braeburn’s approach. The academy prioritizes listening to pupils, ensuring they have access to enrichment activities that align with their needs and interests.
This was seen in the school’s Spring Club offer, which provided nine weeks of diverse activities, including:
- Dodgeball—an energizing team sport that promotes problem-solving.
- Box-to-be-fit—self-defence techniques for confidence-building.
- Dance—a fun, creative activity showcased to parents and pupils.
- Cookery classes—teaching children how to prepare healthy snacks, while supporting pupils with life-changing skills.
Parent voice also plays a key role in shaping Braeburn’s direction. The school actively engages families, creating opportunities that promote community cohesion. The Wheely Active cycling event on March 23 was a prime example, allowing families to cycle together free of charge, resulting in a noticeable increase in pupils cycling to school the following day.
‘Wheely Good Time’: A Cycling Success
Braeburn’s cycling event, facilitated by Wheely Active, gave children and families an exciting opportunity to experience the joy of cycling. Children as young as two explored balance bikes, while more experienced cyclists took part in obstacle courses and competitive cycling.
The event also provided hands-on learning, with children maintaining their cycles, checking tyre pressure, and tightening chains. Thanks to OSF funding, Braeburn delivered an unforgettable experience that strengthened community engagement.
One parent said; “This is really great and I wish there were more events like this. Will this be a regular event, cycling? There is no where that does anything like this, and the fact it is free is incredible.
Thank you!”
Reflecting on the success, an Assistant Head Teacher shared:
“We had a fabulous turnout today, it was incredible. I am really proud of the work we’ve done and how we’ve used the funding —it has made a big difference.”
Beyond OSF: What’s Next?
Braeburn Primary & Nursery Academy is looking ahead, ensuring the momentum continues beyond OSF funding. The academy is planning a range of family-friendly physical activities, including:
- Daily Mile family events, encouraging parents and children to complete a mile together.
- Parent-child Keep Fit classes, table tennis sessions, and dance-to-be-fit workshops.
- Yoga & mindfulness sessions to support well-being and cognitive health.
By continuing to innovate, listen to its community, and prioritize physical activity, Braeburn is leading the way in shaping healthier futures for pupils and families alike.
