Pupils and staff at High Crags Primary Leadership Academy are supporting vulnerable people in Bradford as part of a festive charity drive.
The young pupils have been holding collections and creating gifts at the school to spread goodwill as part of their annual Festive Winter Gift Programme.
Caring families at the school donated small gifts to fill gift bags which were decorated and given to residents and 
staff at Hallcroft nursing home in Shipley. Pupils also created decorations to bring cheer to the nursing home residents. Pupils will also offer companionship by staging a special virtual concert filled with Christmas songs and cheer.
Shipley Rotary Club has also been working with the school to provide vulnerable families with support during what has been a difficult time for many. The club has provided funds to give 10 families a specially created Christmas food hamper. It has also donated money to the school so that it can buy gifts for children to help them experience the magical festive season.
The school also joined with other Star Academies schools to take part in ‘Food for All Week’. From 7th to 13th December, all 29 schools across the Star Academies multi-academy trust aimed to distribute 50,000 food parcels and meals to those experiencing food poverty.
Helen Ray, Principal at High Crags Primary Leadership Academy, told how the Festive Winter Gift Programme was especially poignant this year.
She said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that many people in our community have faced severe hardship this year.
“But our school is filled with optimistic young pupils who are looking to the future and for ways they can help to make a difference to those in need.
“Their positivity, courage and desire to help others is truly inspiring, and it is impossible not to be led by their wonderful example.
“We consider ourselves to be extremely fortunate to be able to work with these incredible young people and we are grateful to all our parents who have helped to support this year’s Festive Winter Gift Programme.”