Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools Report: May 2009

School Context

Summary Judgement

How Does the School Meet the Needs of Learners?

What is the Impact of Collective Worship?

How Effective Is the Leadership and Management?

School Context

School:                                    Greenfylde Church of England First School

                                                Silver Street, Ilminster TA19 0DS              

Status:                                     Voluntary Controlled

Diocese:                                  Bath and Wells

Local Authority:                       Somerset

Date of Inspection;                  27^th April 2009 

Date of last Inspection:           8^th May 2006

School’s unique ref. no.          123764

Name of Head teacher:          John Jeffery

Chair of Governors:                Gordon Twinberrow

Inspector’s name & NS no:     Mrs Janet Bond 247

Summary Judgement

The distinctiveness and effectiveness of Greenfylde Church of England First School as a Church school is outstanding

Christian values and a loving, nurturing Christian ethos underpin all aspects of school life.  All within school are valued and all are exceptionally well challenged an encouraged to achieve very high standards in their academic and personal development. 

How Does the School Meet the Needs of Learners?

The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is outstanding in the way it meets the needs of all learners

Children are happy, considerate and enthusiastic within school.  This is the result of living the Christian values that are inherent in all aspects of school life. Children’s spiritual awareness is planned for, and promoted through a stimulating environment where all practise a generosity of spirit. Children’s behaviour is outstanding and they give of their best.  As a result of good teaching, a rich and diverse curriculum and outstanding relationships, children achieve above average standards and are proud of their work.  Very good opportunities are provided for imaginative work that arouses children’s curiosity, such as a bird watching corner with binoculars, and a tank of tadpoles for the younger children. Children are happy and confident and extremely caring of one another.  The school culture of praise and encouragement effectively supports this. As one child new to the school said, “I love this school, it’s much nicer than the other one”.  At playtimes and in lessons children look out for each other and work very harmoniously together. Skilful teaching enables children to develop empathy for the views and ideas of others. In a religious education lesson children were encouraged to understand the meaning or message in the story from the Bible that they had chosen. They listened to the others on their table and gave encouragement to their ideas. Children feel very safe and secure because of very good care and guidance and they are clear to whom they should go if there are any problems.  Children are given many opportunities to be independent and contribute to the life of the school through, for example, the school council and the “buddy “system.  They show their care for others by very successful fundraising for local, national and international charities contributing to the school’s provision for Community Cohesion.  Resources are good and the school building and grounds are used efficiently. Children were keen to talk about the crosses they had made, delightfully decorated and displayed in each classroom.  Bright and lively displays give excellent support to the school’s Christian values and to children’s learning.

What is the Impact of Collective Worship?

The impact of collective worship on the school community is good.

The daily act of collective worship, attended by all children and staff, is an important part of the way the school enhances its sense of community, and promotes and reinforces the school’s Christian values.  In a lively act of collective worship children fully understood the theme of trust and broken promises.  This was because the story was made relevant to them and was skilfully developed to ensure their understanding.  Reflection time was used effectively to allow the children to think about how they felt when a promise from a friend was broken and when one was kept.  Children participated enthusiastically in a hymn with actions and a short prayer with actions, and the majority of children were able to say the Lord’s Prayer.  Children’s understanding of worship being a special time was supported effectively by the use of music and by the symbols of the cross and the lighting of the candle. Worship is well planned and themes effectively developed.  Children talk with confidence about the meaning of worship to them.  Evaluation of the impact of worship is being developed and is currently undertaken by the headteacher and coordinator for collective worship.  The Rector, the Methodist minister and other visitors regularly lead worship which enables children to have an understanding of a variety of forms and styles of worship.  Children visit the Minster regularly and major Christian festivals are celebrated in the church and are very well attended by parents.

How Effective Is the Leadership and Management?

The leadership and management of the school as a church school is outstanding

The Christian vision and values of the headteacher, very well supported by the Rector and governors, is apparent in school life. Greenfylde clearly proclaims itself as a church school through Christian displays, in its documentation and in the kindness, consideration and respect shown by all. The efficient systems in place for monitoring and evaluating the work of the school provide information for the school to continually review and improve its practice.  Very effective links with the church and the Deanery provide mutual support for all.  Parents, children, staff and the church work as a team to nurture the daily living of Christian values effectively. Parents feel involved and many help in school. The school is active in the local community, participating in numerous events in the town. Religious education is very well planned and monitored by a well informed and enthusiastic coordinator. Effective links with Personal and Social education, collective worship and other curriculum areas further supports children’s understanding of religious beliefs in practice. Resources are well organised to support staff and children, and assessment of progress and achievement is in place. This is a happy school, where children are loved, nurtured and encouraged.