Co-op Academy Delius is a special school located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, catering primarily to pupils in key stages one and two, with a small number in the early years foundation stage. The school operates across two sites, each focusing on specific special educational needs and disabilities. The leadership team, under headteacher Emma Hardaker, has designed an ambitious pathway curriculum tailored to meet the diverse needs of its pupils. This curriculum allows students to follow one of five pathways that align with their individual learning requirements and abilities.
The school is well-equipped with specialist resources, including sensory and therapeutic spaces such as a hydrotherapy pool and trampoline therapy, which support the unique needs of the pupils. Staff members are well-trained and dedicated to ensuring that all students receive the appropriate support to thrive academically and socially. The school emphasizes the importance of communication, with various tools and strategies in place to assist pupils in expressing themselves effectively. Reading is integrated into daily activities, and pupils engage with stories, songs, and rhymes, fostering a love for literature.
Pupils at Co-op Academy Delius report feeling safe and supported within the school environment. Staff are attentive to their concerns, and there is a strong culture of positive behavior. The school has established effective measures to address any instances of bullying, ensuring that pupils feel secure in their learning environment. The leadership team has successfully designed a curriculum that meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs, with clear expectations for knowledge and skills development.
The school has made significant strides in teaching phonics, with all staff receiving training to support pupils in building their phonetic knowledge. Daily lessons focus on pre-phonics skills to enhance listening and speaking abilities. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the consistency of teaching handwriting. Some pupils struggle with legibility, and the school recognizes the need to provide more opportunities for developing handwriting skills.
Behavior management is a strength of the school, with staff promptly addressing any issues that arise. The school has implemented support plans to help manage behavior effectively, contributing to a calm and orderly atmosphere. Attendance has improved year on year, thanks to the efforts of pastoral staff who engage with families to promote pupil welfare.
Co-op Academy Delius offers a rich array of extracurricular activities, ensuring that all pupils have opportunities to participate in various experiences. The school promotes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education throughout the curriculum, encouraging pupils to explore diversity and their own heritage. Pupils are actively involved in the school community, including participating in staff recruitment and sharing their views with governors.
While the school has successfully engaged parents and carers, a small minority feel that communication could be improved. The leadership team is committed to addressing these concerns and ensuring that all parents feel involved in their children's education. Overall, Co-op Academy Delius continues to provide a supportive and effective learning environment for its pupils, with a focus on their individual needs and development. The school is dedicated to maintaining high standards and continuously improving its practices to enhance the educational experience for all students.
