Bailiffe Bridge is an area steeped in industrial history. The school is situated on the borders of Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford. It serves a community from all backgrounds including many children from the Wyke area (Bradford).Our 2003 OFSTED report commented…

“Parents bring their children to this school from other areas because of the school’s good reputation.
Consequently the school is over-subscribed.”

Housing is both private and council owned and consists of detached, semi-detached and terraced. In recent years a small development of new, four-bedroom detached houses was built by Redrow Homes on land adjacent to the school field. These have provided minimal new admissions. A number of further housing developments are being constructed in the vicinity of the school. Bailiff Bridge is undergoing considerable changes in it’s whole infra-structure.

In recent years the school has gone through many staff changes with a number of teachers being successful in gaining promoted posts. Throughout these changes a continued emphasis on the high standard of learning and teaching ensured that a very successful OFSTED inspection was received in November 2003. The school has attained two achievement awards for improving standards.

The school is most fortunate to have a very supportive and committed governing body who are fully involved in the development of the school.

“The governing body is very effective. They have a very good knowledge and understanding of the school.”
(OFSTED November 2003)

In July 2004 the long-standing Headteacher retired after 10 years of service to the school. Following the advertisement for the replacement post, the current Deputy Headteacher was the successful candidate to be appointed as Head. A new Deputy Head was then appointed and started work with us in September 2004.

Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in supporting the school. A Parent Teacher Association has been running over the past ten years. A series of parent workshops have been held over the last few years. Successful termly 'Play In' sessions are enjoyed by pre-school children and parents. Our Home/School partnership continues to be strengthened through reviews of: Home/School agreements; Homework Policy; Homework targets; Parent/Community Policy and Behaviour strategies. Parental permission for pupil Internet access has been sought and the use of formative assessment strategies has been shared with parents. Views of parents are sought as part of our self-evaluation process and these are acted upon.

Our children have a varied range of experiences and attitudes. Children are empowered to become active, responsible citizens in a democratic community. They are also fully involved in their own learning and in the development of the school.

The school has quite a high number of pupils (12%) who moved in and out of the school last year at times other than the usual starting and leaving times. In previous years this has averaged 17%. Consequently the number of pupils eligible for free school meals fluctuates. Currently 10% of pupils are eligible. 20 pupils are identified as having special educational needs, 4 of which are statemented.

The school was built in 1907 and internal space is very much at a premium. In April 2001, we moved into our newly built classroom extension, which provides us with seven single age classes. A complete new roof, replacement windows and re-pointing have ensured that the envelope of the building is now wind-proof and watertight. The school has since been re-decorated to remedy the interior deterioration caused by the elements and the huge buildings programme. A new staffroom / group teaching and resource area is currently under construction and will hopefully be completed by May 2005.The plans for further accommodation needs for the increase in targeted support groups, support staff, voluntary helpers, resource storage and office provision are being re-evaluated in light of two unsuccessful modernisation bids. A programme of playground re-design has begun with the inclusion of additional seating areas. Further playground improvements are planned for later in the year when the staffroom has been completed.

The community association has been successful in gaining funding from the developers to build a new community centre adjacent to the school. This will enable Bailiff Bridge branch library to be relocated on Victoria Road. This will provide us with opportunity to further pursue family learning.

We continue to be committed to inclusion for all learners.

“The school prides itself on being an inclusive, listening school.” (OFSTED November 2003)