Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools Report

 

School:                                                East Brent Church of England First School,

                                                           Church Road, East Brent,

                                                           Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4HZ

 

Status:                                                 Voluntary Controlled

 

Local Authority:                                   Somerset County Council

 

Date of Inspection:                              10 July 2006

 

Date of last Inspection:                       December 2000

 

School’s unique reference no:            123809

 

Name of Headteacher:                        Mrs Heather Hector

 

Chair of Governors:                            Mr Chris Abbott

 

Inspector’s name & NS no:                 Miss Susan Barton - 162

 

 

School Context

 

East Brent Church of England School is a small first school with 84 children on roll who enjoy their idyllic rural setting. Children are welcomed from both the village and further afield. There are twice as many boys as girls in every year group as well as a small number from other ethnic backgrounds. There has been significant disruption in every class in the last two years due to staff illness, however, all staff now are back in situ.

 

Summary Judgement

 

East Brent C of E school is a good church school with a distinctive Christian atmosphere in which to educate all its learners. The values of sharing and caring for others are a strong part of the school’s mission statement and expectations are high. It provides all the children with a positive and effective Christian foundation on which to build throughout life.

 

Established Strengths

 

 

Focus for development

 

 

How well does the school, through its distinctive Christian character, meet the needs of all learners?

 

The distinctive Christian character of the school is good and meets the needs of all learners.

 

The strong Christian ethos is evident throughout the school and emphasises the Christian family atmosphere where adults and children are valued. Children refer to the school as being a place where we love and care for God and help others. Religious Education and worship are strong contributors to the spiritual and moral development of children enabling them the opportunities to identify with issues in which they may find themselves. All children receive a Story Bible on entry into the Foundation Stage which enables children to become familiar with many stories as they progress through the school. Links are made between subjects, for example during maths week children found number connections in the Bible which also reinforced their research skills. Great care is taken to ensure that the school is inclusive, providing for all children to learn respect for others and their beliefs and culture. Children know the difference between right and wrong and recognise the Bible as a code for life. The school council are valued as confident decision makers, suggesting ideas which are listened to and acted on, for example, holding a Pet’s Service. Visitors from other cultures are welcomed, such as the Kenyan Choir which promotes children’s learning about other cultures. An introduction to world faiths is taught in RE so broadening understanding and respect for each other. The close proximity and use of the parish church add to the distinctive Christian character of the school.

 

What is the impact of collective worship on the school community?

 

Collective worship makes a good impact on the school community.

 

Worship is a distinctive part of the day and important to the life of the school. The content involves all children well through questioning, interaction and discussion and gains their interest and enthusiasm. They enjoyed the visual presentation of God through the likeness of some of His qualities to a cricketer. All teaching staff lead worship regularly so providing a different focus which the children appreciate. Prayers written for an occasion display an understanding of the purpose of prayer. Times of quiet reflection are provided for children’s own thoughts within the theme. Worship is well prepared using themes which develop spiritual and moral thinking. However, the lack of a more detailed planned programme and record hinders continuity and greater exploration throughout the week. Good work and personal achievements are shared and celebrated each week reinforcing love and respect for each other. However, the Christian aspect of worship has been compromised on these occasions, to accommodate children who are otherwise withdrawn. There are few opportunities for children to appreciate the Anglican aspects of Christian worship and practice in school. There are suitable and safe arrangements made for the supervision of 5 children who are regularly withdrawn from worship. Parents are always welcome to attend and to share in Christian family worship.

 

How effective are the leadership and management of the school as a church school?

 

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

 

The headteacher’s Christian role model along with her good leadership, always striving to improve the education for all the children, is greatly valued. She has lead the school through a difficult time of staff illness and promoted change to develop the school as a Church school. The foundation governors should take greater responsibility for managing the development of the Christian foundation through monitoring provision for spiritual growth. The links with the parish church are good through the regular support of the Vicar who takes part in special school services held in church and his pastoral role for both adults and children. The church community is well informed about the school’s Christian development. Members of the parish community offer help within the school and assist visits to church from time to time. Children’s work is displayed in church for Sunday family service. All this enables the children to grow in understanding of the close links with the church. Good links are also maintained with the Diocese who support the school well. Year 4 children participate in a Wells Cathedral Day which provides opportunity for them to recognise that East Brent Church is part of a much larger Christian scene.

 

 

 

 

This inspection was carried out on behalf of the Diocese of Bath & Wells in whose area the school is set, in accordance with Section 48 of the Education Act 2005.  The inspection framework used is that established by The National Society of the Church of England for the denominational inspection of church schools for all dioceses in England and Wales.

 

Your comments or complaints should be addressed to the Education Department, The Diocese of Bath & Wells, The Old Deanery, Wells, Somerset BA5 2UG.  Further information about inspection of church schools can be obtained from the National Society’s website at www.natsoc.org.uk.