Praise for school over efforts to foster unity among pupils

Allerton Primary and Nursery in Bradford was runner-up in a scheme which recognises work on inclusion.

The school was praised by judges after achieving 100 per cent attendance at consultation evenings for parents.

School staff were also praised by judges for the collective worship for the school’s Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh pupils which the judges thought helped demonstrate a depth of community cohesion.

The judges were also impressed by how staff managed to consider non-religious perspectives and how they involved a range of groups in celebrating the school’s diversity.

The school will receive a jade plaque for its achievement.

The award has been granted by the Accord Coalition, a national campaigning organisation which promotes community cohesion and integration in schools and aims to unite the religious and non-religious.

Coun Ralph Berry, of Bradford Council, said: “I’m delighted for the pupils, staff, parents and governors at Allerton Primary School and offer them my congratulations. It’s great news that a Bradford school has won a top prize for its work on community cohesion and I hope their good practice will serve as an example to schools throughout the district.”

Headteacher Sharon Lambert said: “We are delighted that our school has been recognised nationally for its work around community cohesion.

“With careful thought we have demonstrated our commitment to all communities through our innovative assemblies.”

She said adults from the local Interfaith Centre and local churches were role models in the way they connected with others and celebrated their own identity.

“Our work with parents has been centred upon welcoming all families as active partners in seeking the very best achievement for each child. Our ethos can be summed up by the school’s SCARF motto Safety, Caring, Achievement, Respect and Friendliness.

“This is used visually and metaphorically throughout the school to create a sense of belonging and self esteem for all. The school feels like a real community partnership in action.”