Scotby Church of England Primary School

Scotby Church of England Primary School

Park Road

Scotby

Carlisle

Cumbria

CA4 8AT

Diocese: Carlisle

Local authority: Cumbria

Dates of inspection: 12^th January, 2007

Date of last inspection: December 2000                                                 

School’s unique reference number:  112403              “Every Child Matters To God.”

Acting headteacher: Mrs J Watson

Inspector’s name and number: Mrs M J Lewis

School context

Scotby is an average sized primary school with 266 pupils situated on the outskirts of Carlisle. It is in a socially advantaged area serving the villages of Scotby and Wetheral. The school is very popular and is oversubscribed.

The distinctiveness and effectiveness of Scotby CE Primary School as a Church of England school are satisfactory with some good developing features

 A sound Christian ethos is promoted by the good examples of the acting headteacher and staff, supported by the governors and local clergy and reflected in the good relationships across the school between pupils and pupils and their teachers. Pupils are encouraged to do their best within a happy and supportive, caring, atmosphere.

                                                   Established strengths

·         The leadership of the school as a Church school is satisfactory and is showing improvement. The school has excellent relationships with the local clergy;

·         Relationships between pupils, and staff and pupils  are very good and supported by Christian values which help all pupils feel valued and special;

·         Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good; Stimulating displays enhance the school environment;

·         Pupils’ behaviour is very good;

·         Collective worship is well planned and recent developments are rapidly becoming embedded to raise the profile of school’s distinctive Christian ethos;

                                                     Focus for development

·         Secure fully and strengthen the distinctive Christian character and ethos in the school;

·         Build on the strategies already identified for improving Collective Worship;

·         Continue to provide professional development already begun for staff in Collective Worship and for the development of Religious Education.

The school, through its distinctive Christian character meets the needs of all learners satisfactorily.

The school expresses its Christian values in its Mission Statement and Aims in the school prospectus. Much good work has been undertaken recently to develop the distinctive Christian ethos and although these are not yet fully embedded in the daily life of the school they are developing well. The Christian Foundation is well represented and is visible in symbols and excellent displays throughout. Collective Worship and prayers are a daily occurrence of school life. Children feel valued and pupils are proud of their school and their uniform. The learning environment is excellent and the relationships between pupils, and staff and pupils are very good. Pupils are very appreciative of their teachers and all that they do for them. They value the friendships they have with each other and know that they need to look out for each other. The oldest display care and concern for the younger ones and are helpful to the teachers. Teachers appreciate the efforts that children make with their work and use praise well. In a Personal, Social, and Health Education lesson on the theme of Friendship, pupils in Years 1 and 2 showed a good understanding of friendship and the need to get on with others. They played a circle game in which they said why they would like to say “well done” to a classmate for something good that person had done. Children enjoy their lessons and mature well. The school provides a broad curriculum and provides good opportunities for pupils to become socially aware and understand the needs of others. For instance, the school organises and takes part in many fundraising activities for charity. It also has amongst its many clubs a Make ton group where pupils learn to use sign language. A good recent example of this was the Christingle Service for pupils and some parents which raised a generous amount for The Children’s Society. The school has good links with the community and well established strong links with the church. Pupils and staff speak warmly of the support they receive from the local vicar and curates who visit school frequently to hold Collective Worship. Pupils and staff are pleased that they are made so welcome to the churches in Scotby and Wetheral and of the recent developing links with Carlisle Cathedral which have resulted in classes visiting for Cathedral story time.

The impact of collective worship on the school community is satisfactory and improving.

  Acts of worship are planned and prepared each day for all pupils, either as a whole school, key stage or as a class. The development of key themes ensures continuity and a whole school focus across the school. The school has recently begun to evaluate the impact that Collective Worship has for pupils’ understanding and to find out their views but this is in the early stages of development. Whole school and key stage Acts of Worship are well attended by staff and at times by parents and governors. Acts of Collective Worship regularly celebrate pupils’ achievements and show links with school, national and international life. Collective Worship is affirming and helps pupils’ understanding of prayer and praise. Recent developments for Collective Worship mean that Christian symbols such as a candle, cross and music are used well to create a favourable atmosphere.  The weekly input of the local vicar and curates is much appreciated by staff and pupils, who know the clergy well, recall messages and enjoy their visits. Children are becoming more active in Collective Worship, for instance, they read and write prayers, organise music and projectors. They are engaged and listen carefully and give appropriate responses. Pupils’ singing is tuneful and they are enthusiastic in their praise. The youngest and newest children from Reception are encouraged to play a part and develop their confidence well in a secure environment with the support of their teachers.

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the school as a church school is satisfactory

In a united and effective partnership the acting headteacher, governors and staff are developing and promoting the distinctiveness and effectiveness of the school as a church school based upon Christian values vigorously. The acting head has involved the staff and clergy in the self evaluation of the school as a church school. The school has experienced recent difficulties in its leadership since the previous inspection but the management including the foundation governors are now working well together and are united in moving the school forward within its Christian identity. They are intent on maintaining a strong Christian ethos and vision and managing the difficulties experienced smoothly. Parents have maintained a good level of confidence in the school and an awareness of its Christian foundation. They contribute well to school life and their children’s learning. The Christian vision informs some discussions and decisions and is becoming increasingly evident in features of school life. Staff provide good role models for pupils who respect and trust them strongly. The spiritual development of staff is promoted and supported well by the local clergy. School policies are being reviewed and Christian aims are being embedded. Pupils say that they don’t want the school to change because it is good as it is. ‘We have rules and know that we must work hard, do our best to be kind and friendly to each other. We have lots of friends and make new people welcome when they join the school.’ The school has begun to work more closely with the Diocese recently. Staff development for Collective Worship has begun.  A recent school development plan is successful in identifying ways forward and a long term plan has been devised with immediate priorities now being undertaken efficiently and with strong commitment.