Field Lane Primary in West Yorkshire has adopted a radically different model to teaching. They have pioneered a powerful new model schedule that literally starts the school day over—not once, but twice. This project addresses the declining enrollment of the school. It is part of the Polaris Multi Academy Trust and shares a campus with Highbury Specialist School.
Parents at Field Lane Primary are delighted with the change. In addition to its success at the ballot box, the school has experienced a doubling in demand for admission due in part to enthusiastic support by local authorities and funding from Polaris. Because of this joint initiative, four cohorts of kids have been able to transition from Field Lane Primary to Highbury Specialist School. Where Highbury used to have a three-year waiting list, Field Lane struggled with the challenges of falling numbers on rolls.
Debbie Sweet, principal of Highbury School who witnessed first-hand the positive effects of this co-located setup. “They are showing them how to play, how to take turns, have conversations and resolve conflicts,” she stated, highlighting the interaction between students from both schools. Sweet noted, “At Field Lane I have met the most amazing children who are developing empathy, understanding and acceptance – they are learning about autism and physical disability.”
Tiffany, a parent of four children who have passed through Field Lane Primary, was among many supporting the school’s proposals. “It’s a wonderful school, all four of my children have come through,” she said. Tiffany further emphasized the positive impact on the children, stating, “Mirren has made great bonds with the children who have come in.” She noted that the hands-on, collaborative style has sparked engagement in students and created teamwork among teachers. “With the support from local authorities and the funding from Polaris, we’re seeing the roll at Field Lane increase.”
Despite these encouraging developments, challenges remain. Hamish Heald is joint secretary of the Calderdale branch of the NEU, the National Education Union. He is calling on the government to do more to ensure adequate funding for specialist teachers and speech and language therapists. “We want to see a stronger commitment from the government to put their money where their mouth is,” he asserted. Heald emphasized the importance of inclusive education: “We care about making the right education work for children, both those in the main body of the system and those with extra needs educated in a more inclusive manner as we’re starting to see at Field Lane.”
Currently, just under 20% of all pupils in England receive some form of support for special educational needs or disabilities. At Field Lane Primary, specialist classes are more separated from mainstream lessons, creating opportunities for all students to interact and learn together outside of their direct instruction. This model not only better educates students about the world around them, but fosters understanding and acceptance between all students.
