Ofsted said: “Leaders at all levels ensure the curriculum is designed well to meet the needs of pupils with SEND. The ambitious curriculum clearly sets out the key knowledge and skills pupils will learn. Pupils’ progress is planned for carefully based on their learning pathway. Staff make adaptations to the curriculum to ensure learning meets pupils’ needs. The different pathways share common themes, such as books and topics. This ensures pupils can seamlessly move between pathways depending on their progress.”

The report commends the school for its ‘well resourced specialist equipment and facilities’. It acknowledges the range of sensory and therapeutic spaces that are available for pupils with different needs - including a hydrotherapy pool and trampoline therapy.

Ofsted praises the ‘well-trained staff’ who are always on hand and are real advocates for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEND), stating: “They have ambition for all pupils to progress well.” 

The report recognises the ‘rich personal development offer’, saying: “There is something for all pupils to participate in each day. The school has adapted a local ‘50 things’ project of activities to enhance pupils’ wider experiences. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is woven through the curriculum. Leaders at all levels carefully consider ways to promote diversity and explore pupils’ heritage.”

Headteacher, Emma Hardaker, said: “It is our whole academy community approach, along with the dedication and ‘only the best is good enough’ attitude from all staff members that has resulted in our positive ofsted outcome. At Co-op Academy Delius we pride ourselves on delivering an ambitious and engaging curriculum that meets the diverse needs of our pupils and we are delighted that this has been recognised and praised in our recent inspection.” 

CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, Dr Chris Tomlinson, said: “This is an excellent report for Emma, her staff team, the pupils and the Trust. Richly deserved and full of very positive comments for a school doing its very best within Bradford. The dedication and commitment of staff to ensure the students get the very best pupil experiences on a daily basis is something to be truly proud of. There are many outstanding features at Delius and the community it serves are very fortunate to have such a positive school to attend. We are delighted they are part of our Trust.”

Co-op Academy Delius has been part of Co-op Academies Trust since 2019. Co-op Academies Trust is the most diverse multi-academy trust in the country, supporting 32 primary, secondary, SEND academies and colleges across the North of England. Founded in 2010, Co-op Academies Trust is sponsored by Co-op Group and is guided by cooperative values and principles.