BURLEY and Woodhead Church of England Primary School are celebrating after being named Active School of the Year for Bradford, by Yorkshire Sport Foundation.

The Active School Awards recognised how schools across South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire kept physical education, school sport and physical activity at the heart of school life during the last 12 months. There were nine district winners from across the two counties, with two overall county winners.

Burley and Woodhead were praised by the judges for the variety of activities they made available to children, including non-traditional school sports including archery, New Age Kurling and golf, which provided opportunities for children not engaged in more traditional activities.

During lockdown, the school recorded their own live lessons to supplement other online learning in PE, with the school receiving hundreds of photos from children taking part each week.

Children were also provided the opportunity to represent the school in competitive sport by taking part in the virtual cross country league.

As well as keeping the children active while away from school, the lessons provided a connection to the school and their classmates while isolated at home. The school is planning a circus day in July, to develop children’s coordination and balance in a fun and engaging way.

Natasha Brodaty, PE lead at Burley and Woodhead CofE, said: “As a school we are absolutely thrilled to be named district winners for the Active School Awards 2021.

“It is wonderful to receive the recognition for the enthusiasm and unfailing commitment of all the fantastic staff, children and their parents. We are extremely lucky to have a community that places great value and importance on

“PE, school sport and physical activity, and who recognise the impact it has on children’s health and wellbeing, especially as a tool to combat the negative effects of this past turbulent year.”

Alex Ogden, PE and School Sport Manager at Yorkshire Sport Foundation, commented: “A huge congratulations to all the staff, pupils and parents at the school.

“We had some fantastic nominations from Bradford, making it a really tough decision.

“Research tells us that PE, school sport and physical activity can do so much for children’s physical and mental wellbeing, and during the last year that has been more important than ever.

“Everyone involved at the school should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved towards this in the last year through a great number and variety of ways to be active and play sport.”