I wanted to write to let you know that last week we once again hosted a cohort of your fantastic school councillors for a local democracy workshop with us at Bradford City Hall.

This is the third group of your learners we have worked with in the last year and yet again they did your school proud!

The children were brilliant; positive, polite, curious and attentive. They learnt about the different public services in the district, the role of local councillors, democracy and how decisions are made - and let’s not forget about the “Legend of the Bradford Boar”! They received a tour of the City Hall accompanied by Councillor Sue Duffy and met the Leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe – who they regaled with newly learnt facts and figures about their district. The tour culminated in a look around the historic Council Chamber.

We think it’s fantastic that you have an elected school council in place and hope that when you have inspectors in, you can proudly tell them about the different ways you help your children have a voice, including these annual school council trips to Bradford City Hall, the heart of local democracy. It could link to your SEMH work and British values.

"Today, 27th November, I got on the 13.10 Cottingley bus at the Bradford Interchange; along with a few fellow senior citizens from my part of Allerton.

A couple of these moaned that the bus would be over-crowded and noisy: however, as a 76 year old I like to compliment both your staff and pupils.

The staff ensured all adults got onto the bus before any pupil, even those that arrived at the stand long after the school group. On the bus there was chatter between children sat together, but certainly no shouting between those separated by a number of seat. Not once, either in the 10 minutes stood waiting for the bus or my 16 minutes on the bus, did a teacher have to raise their voice either to the group or an individual; and when asked to vacate a seat to allow a boarding adult to sit, absolute immediate response, without a moan.

A pleasure to travel with your pupils: one hopes their courteousness extends beyond primary year!"

"Overall, a fantastic school. The leadership team have made significant strides towards the uplift of the school. This has resonated across the whole school. Proud to be part of Sandy Lane Primary School community."

"My child has expressed he has been struggling with his writing. School have made efforts to assist him with some additional support. He enjoys his time at Sandy Lane and Bright Sparks. Thank you."

"Really good. Have missed this interaction - need more of it. Thanks"

"Dedication from all the staff is amazing. My children have come on leaps and bounds. Thanks to the staff of this amazing school. Mrs Shaw and Mr Hitchen have been brilliant."

"I think the teachers are very good with my child and have made him enjoy being here. He can’t wait to come to school every morning."

“I always feel included with any decisions related to my child’s education. I prefer the digital app to keep in touch”

"I've heard from a number of people around the village who all say how lovely it was to see and hear the children on Sunday.

We were impressed with how well they read. I was sitting four rows back and heard them clearly (without a microphone!).

"Really like the fact how parents are invited to celebrations. Great Class Dojo communication app with parents"

"The children were all very well behaved and polite traveling to and from the station and left the coaches clean and tidy a pleasure to take on the trip" - After Worth Valley Trip

"Easy to get in touch with class teachers through Class Dojo, teachers are very good at responding which reassures the parents"

"As a local resident who lives close to Greenwood park, I would like to say how lovely it is to see the children walking around there on a daily basis and how wonderfully well behaved they are."

"Good at communication in letting Parents know about what's going on in school. Plus nice friendly staff"

"Great to see children's progress celebrated"

"I'm happy with the way this school handles everything and the staff. Thank you"

"It's a nice way to encourage little minds, really impressive"

“Good communication, enthusiastic teachers”

"My son recently moved to this school in September and so far he has come along way. The efforts and communication of staff is above and beyond so I just want to thank you as my son has come along way in only a small amonth of time. This school is the best we have ever been to thank you so much and his class teacher is awesome and Ms walker."

"Well done, and please let the children know that the people of Sandy Lane are very grateful that they took part"

"Recently, we provided the Coach Transport for a daytrip to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. From the moment our driver arrived at the school, the children and staff were brilliant. Very well behaved and polite even with their excitement for the journey, saying a cheerful ‘Hello and thank you’. Having such a pleasant group on board who kindly helped the driver look after the coach by keeping it clean and tidy throughout, definitely makes the job worthwhile. Thankyou to everyone involved on the day."

“I love the structure of the school. Any issues are sorted out really quick and efficiently. Teachers are easy to get hold of and to communicate with. Importantly …… the kids love it!”

“I like all the school teachers, all of them are very kind. I love the school students and enjoyed the assembly”

"School has been very supportive, easy to contact and discuss anything with regards to children's homework etc. Also staff are very helpful"

“No negative from us. Sandy Lane is a brilliant school and my girls really enjoy coming to school”

“Sandy Lane Primary school is an excellent school”

“Very happy with school helping my child settle in”

“Good communication via school ping/class dojo and teachers. Able to approach and discuss things with teachers”

“Lovely atmosphere and positivity. Very much enjoyed being here for the assembly”

“Happy that school has regular contact with parents and we are updated with events and activities. Good communication”

"I think children should be given some piece of homework over the weekend apart from the weekly spellings as it keeps their brains active and it’s a sort of challenge aswell. Apart from that the teachers are very hard working"

"We as parents are extremely happy with the teaching staff and admin team with taking ownership of all related issues and resolving the issues right first time. Furthermore, we feel there is an atmosphere amongst the staff of going the extra mile to excel the pupils"

"Absolutely amazing staff keep you informed at all times. Very polite and courteous. Keep it up!"

“Very pleased with the friendly environment of the school and enthusiastic leadership. Always there to listen and help. Thank you!”

“I’m very happy with the school. My child is happy and doing well. Recently she has had a problem and the teacher has been great and very helpful in supporting her through this time”

“Communication is brilliant, both girls are very happy at the school. Any problems that have occurred were dealt with straight away”

"Since Livvy has been back to Sandy Lane she's been enjoying her teacher and getting the right support. Thank you"

"Kids are really enjoying Magic Mondays. Like how well the kids are learning and developing well."

“Very well run school, always kept up to date with events”

"The Guard on the Worth Valley Steam Train said that "the children are a credit to the school"

"Feedback from the staff and Guest experience management, was that the children were very well behaved and were no issue whatsoever. "they were great" is a direct quote from the Guest experience Team leader!" After Legoland Trip

"I enjoy celebration assemblies and being present for my children's achievements"

"Brilliant communication between parent / teacher"

"All three of my children are happy here and enjoy coming to school"

"Very happy with how the school improves its communication with parents. Also the way staff communicate with parents in dealing with school and personal issues. Not being judgmental. Thank you"

"Good. Happy with how staff deal with issues"

"Everything is good. Nice teachers"

"Amazing staff. Very responsive to children's and parent's needs. Professionalism is the right word to characterise them"

"Jessica and Hollie really enjoy coming to school and it's a happy and friendly place to be"

"Our tutors enjoyed the enthusiasm of the children and were impressed by some of the questions that individuals came up with. It was clear that your pupils were excited to be outside and learning; it was clear that the children had a great day."

"In a time where schools often struggle with faith and identity for children from minority backgrounds, it’s always good to see respectful and yet meaningful communication. The more engagement we have, the more likely we are to inculcate the right environment for the children. I want my child to excel and be clear in her identity, I want her to respect other cultures and civilisation and to be respected for the riches of her our tradition."

"Impressed with the enthusiasm and sense of responsibility of the staff. Always there to listen and help. Love the friendly atmosphere of the school. Leadership is very active, fully involved and leading in the right direction"

"Good communication via class dojo"

"Extra curricular activities seem to be increasing"

"Overall good nurturing of kids care and teachers responsive to feedback"

"Thumbs up to all. I feel my children are progressing very well and that they are assisted in learning. We as parents are happy we made the right choice"

"I was most impressed with how superbly well behaved and polite your children were. It was a pleasure have them visit us."

"Reception teachers are on the ball with their teaching methods, communication and friendly approach. We are happy with the progress our son is making but love to see him pushed further."

"The Ping app is a positive way in which to let parents know important updates and messages. Reception are always quick to help with any of my queries and the office staff are always very helpful."

"I wanted to take time to email you to let you know about our fantastic experience with two groups of your pupils last week.

On Tuesday 4th and Thursday 6th we welcomed members of your school council to Bradford City Hall where they took part in a local democracy workshop. They learned about their district, the work of Bradford Council and all the different public services we provide and then took part in a tour of the building which is celebrating its 150th Birthday this year!

We were joined on the day by Cllr Sue Duffy our Portfolio Holder for Children and Families as well as the Lord Mayor of Leeds who met your learners in the Council Chamber.

Your pupils were polite, inquisitive, considerate and generally an absolute delight to spend time with. Thank you so much for giving them the opportunity to take part and I would in particular like to extend our thanks to Linda Walker who helped make it all happen."