A GROUP of seven children’s centres in Bradford has become the first cluster in West Yorkshire to receive a national award for its commitment to equality.

The West Bradford Children’s Centre Cluster was formed in September 2015 and works with more than 6,000 children aged up to four across its seven sites - Allerton, Crossley Hall, Farnham Road, Lidget Green, Princeville, St Edmund’s and Thornton.

Based at St Edmund’s, the cluster has received the EQualities Award which is aimed at schools and children’s centres across the country.

Kulbir Bura, West Bradford Cluster leader, said: “We are delighted that our passion for, and commitment to, equality has been recognised, as real equality allows all members of our community to flourish, be heard and excel.

“We work hard to ensure that our services are accessible to all, and provide extra support to those who may find it difficult to go to a children’s centre for whatever reason.”

Labour councillor for Clayton and Fairweather Green, Sinead Engel, who presented the award, said: “This is a great achievement by all those involved in the West Bradford Children’s Centre Cluster and this award is very well deserved.”

Director of the EQualities Award, Dr Chris Derrington, said: “West Bradford Children’s Centre Cluster has demonstrated a very strong and genuine commitment to equality for all its users.

“The staff work extremely hard to promote diversity at every level; they challenge inequality and show a determination to foster harmonious relationships with the local community.

“The evidence they supplied in order to achieve the award speaks for itself. It shows a high level of awareness and really showcases their commitment to equality for all groups and individuals irrespective of ability, ethnicity or gender.”

Dads' worker Hafeez Rahman said: “Equality is important as it allows discrimination to be removed from all areas of society. It allows all individuals or groups to be empowered with an equal opportunity based on merit and not on race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.”