A Focused Plan for Lasting Change
Our first delivery plan sets the direction for the next four years – a foundational phase in our 20-year ambition to improve life chances for every child in Bradford.
This plan builds on the success of the Bradford Opportunity Area and focuses on delivering place-based, evidence-informed change through schools. It reflects the priorities of local leaders, the insights of researchers and the voices of our communities.
Our Delivery Plan Priorities
Priority 1: Pilot Innovative Approaches to Tackling Childhood Inequality
“Bradford will become a national testbed for cutting-edge, scalable solutions to childhood inequality.”
– Stakeholders Case for Support
Through our partnership with the Centre for Applied Education Research (CAER), Bradford is becoming a national testbed for scalable, cutting-edge solutions to tackle childhood inequality.
We will:
- Support schools in implementing pioneering interventions developed by the research community.
- Provide schools with access to data, research, and evidence-based tools to improve health and education outcomes.
- Overcome the traditional barriers that prevent the adoption of innovative practices in education settings.
Priority 2: Expanding Place-Based Partnerships (Act Locally)
“Act Locally brings together schools, services and communities to co-produce solutions rooted in data and local knowledge.”
– Stakeholders Case for Support
Our ‘Act Locally’ model—currently being trialled in Keighley, Holme Wood, and Manningham & Girlington—enables schools to lead data-driven, community-based solutions to local challenges.
We will:
- Establish formal convening partnerships in each area, ensuring coordinated action and shared accountability.
- Utilise community budgets to commission targeted support from local voluntary organisations.
- Designate schools and early years settings as ‘School Health Hubs,’ integrating health and wellbeing support for pupils and families to tackle health barriers to learning and wider health inequalities.
- Leverage CAER’s connected data infrastructure to facilitate seamless information sharing and evidence-based decision-making.
Priority 3: Tackling System-Wide Education Issues
“No single organisation can solve these issues alone – we need coordinated responses across education, health and care.”
– Stakeholders Case for Support
Some challenges affect all schools across the district — such as SEND provision, mental health and attendance.
EALC will:
- Convene system leaders and commissioners to coordinate responses
- Embed improvements within existing governance structures
- Support integrated working between services around schools and families
Examples include:
- Strengthening inclusive practice for neurodiverse pupils
- Aligning school health with local public health strategies
- Enhancing early years and attendance support
Priority 4: Addressing Teacher Recruitment and Retention
“Education leaders across Bradford consistently cite teacher supply as the number one challenge to improving pupil outcomes.”
– Stakeholders Case for Support
Teacher workforce challenges are a top concern for Bradford’s education leaders.
Through our first #TeamBradford campaign, we will:
- Promote teaching in Bradford through a local recruitment campaign
- Inspire local students to pursue careers in education
- Create clearer career development pathways for teachers and TAs
- Align training and upskilling offers with Bradford’s specific needs
- Partner with initiatives like Now Teach and Born in Bradford
A Foundation for Our 20-Year Vision
This plan is just the beginning.
We know that sustainable change takes time, investment, and coordinated effort. That’s why this first four-year phase is designed to create the conditions for long-term impact – by strengthening partnerships, building capacity in schools, and embedding new ways of working.