Lower Fields Primary Academy is a welcoming and friendly school located in Bradford, West Yorkshire. The school has established high expectations for safety, respect, and responsibility, which are consistently applied by the staff. This supportive environment helps pupils manage their feelings and behavior effectively. The concept of being ‘evergreen’ is well understood by the students, who are aware of the behaviors that align with this ethos. When incidents of bullying occur, they are addressed promptly by adults, who educate pupils on the nature of bullying. The school fosters a culture of kindness and respect among students, and when issues arise, skilled staff assist pupils in getting back on track.
The school provides various opportunities for pupils to explore their interests through a range of lunchtime clubs, including sports, board games, and mindfulness activities. Additionally, the leadership team encourages pupils to consider future careers, helping them connect their current learning to their aspirations. The curriculum is ambitious and designed to support pupils in achieving their goals. There is a strong sense of community at Lower Fields, with the leadership team working to build positive relationships with pupils and their families, creating an inclusive culture that promotes happiness and safety.
The curriculum at Lower Fields is designed to build knowledge progressively. Leaders have identified key learning objectives across subjects, ensuring that pupils develop a deep understanding of concepts. For instance, in art, pupils learn about tone and depth through the works of Henri Rousseau, while history lessons on the Viking invasion connect to geographical skills. Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, ensuring they can access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Reading is integrated throughout the curriculum, with a focus on vocabulary development.
While the school has made significant strides in its curriculum, there are areas for improvement. Some subjects have not fully realized the leaders’ ambitious vision, and teachers’ knowledge in certain areas is less developed. This can lead to less precise examples being used in lessons. Leaders have prioritized reading, providing staff with necessary training to support pupils in developing their reading skills. Early years’ pupils receive phonics instruction and are encouraged to read at home with matched books. The school has invested in a diverse range of literature, ensuring that pupils are exposed to a variety of texts.
In mathematics, early years’ teachers provide numerous opportunities for children to explore numbers, fostering fluency in mathematical concepts. Pupils are confident in explaining their mathematical reasoning, demonstrating a solid understanding of processes such as converting fractions to percentages. Leadership opportunities are available for pupils, and the personal, social, and health education curriculum helps them understand important concepts like healthy relationships and democracy.
Despite these strengths, the school’s broader development offerings are not yet fully coherent, leading to gaps in pupils’ knowledge and limited experiences outside the academic curriculum. Leaders are aware of this and are working to create a more comprehensive program for pupils’ development. The governance of the school is strong, with leaders prioritizing staff well-being and support, contributing to a positive working environment.
The safeguarding arrangements at Lower Fields are effective, with a culture of safety established throughout the school. Staff receive regular training and are vigilant in identifying and addressing potential risks to pupils. Leaders maintain thorough records of safeguarding actions and collaborate with external agencies when necessary. Overall, Lower Fields Primary Academy continues to provide a good education, with a commitment to improvement and the well-being of its pupils and staff.
