Despite the UK being in its third national lockdown, a Kendal music teacher has continued to provide engaging and enjoyable lessons for her students.

Penny Legat, who teaches at St Martin & St Mary CE Primary School in Windermere and Staveley CE Primary School, has reverted back to video lessons online as a result of the closure of schools.

Having already used virtual lessons during the first lockdown last spring, Penny highlighted that using the likes of Zoom meetings for lessons has been key for her pupil’s education.

She explained: “I had never heard of Zoom or Microsoft Teams this time last year and now I am using them every day.

“I spent the Easter holidays last year preparing to use live video links for lessons, so by April I was ready to go.

“I think when the schools closed, it came as a shock to the children.

“Some of the children, particularly the younger ones, were quite frightened because their usual routines had been destroyed and they didn’t understand what was going on.

“Doing the lessons on a video link is encouraging them to continue their learning, particularly at a time when there isn’t much going for them.”

Teaching piano, violin and viola, Penny, a member of a string quartet, has revealed that the lessons have been welcomed by parents.

“The children have been absolutely fabulous,” Penny began.

“Their concentration and motivation has been amazing.

“I think the children have been encouraged to see a familiar face during the lockdown.

“The parents have been telling me that their children are really enjoying it and looking forward to every lesson.”

Although virtual lessons have been a success, Penny is hopeful she can return to the classrooms as soon as possible, as it is “where teaching and learning happens best”.