National Society Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools Report

St Mary’s Church of England Primary School Newchurch in Pendle Spenbrook Road Newchurch in Pendle Burnley BB12 9JP Diocese: Blackburn Local authority: Lancashire Dates of inspection: 7th May 2013 Date of last inspection: 20th September 2007 School’s unique reference number: 119435 Headteacher: Mrs S Hasler-Cregg Inspector’s name and number: Mrs K Pym 726

School context St Mary’s school is a very small voluntary aided (VA) primary school, situated at the heart of the community that it serves. There are currently 47 children on roll, organised into two classes. Many of the children travel from the surrounding villages or the nearby towns of Burnley and Nelson. The school building has recently been improved by an extension programme, which has created a school hall.

The distinctiveness and effectiveness of St Mary’s as a Church of England school are outstanding. The children at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School are enthusiastic, happy and loved as individuals. The fruits of the spirit are the foundations of all aspects of school life and they permeate every part of the curriculum. There is a strong team spirit and a commitment to continuous improvement, resulting in children who are aspirational and hardworking. Care for each child and adult is exemplary. The school is at the heart of the community that it serves.

Established strengths  The inspirational Christian leadership of the headteacher, well supported by dedicated staff and governors.  The excellent relationships within the family of the school.  The priority given to collective worship and the impact that this has on the daily life of all of the members of the school community.

Focus for development  To introduce a system to record non-written work in religious education (RE) to provide evidence of spiritual development.  To establish a place for prayer and reflection within the school grounds.

The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is outstanding at meeting the needs of all learners 1 NS 02 2013 SIAMS Inspection School Report The fruits of the spirit are embraced and promoted throughout the school at every opportunity. They have a significant impact on both the ethos of the school, the children’s spiritual development and they also form the basis of all relationships. The children demonstrate a sound understanding of the fruits of the spirit, also knowing that such fruits form the basis of all actions and decisions made. The pupils have a clear understanding of their responsibility to look after God’s world and as such carry out many good works, such as supporting local charities (including Medequip for Kids, The Bishops Harvest Appeal and so on.) One child explained why they do this; ‘Jesus cared for others; so should we.’ The children make good progress with all aspects of their learning and they are proud of their achievements. Standards across the curriculum are high due to the challenge and support provided by the outstanding teaching that children receive. Religious education makes a significant contribution to the Christian Character of the school and to the children’s understanding of Christianity around the world and other world faiths. The children enjoy school and attendance is very high. Parents value the distinctiveness of the school and the impact that this has on the children; ‘Children leave here with good values and a positive understanding of living the faith.’ The learning environment is used to encourage the children to reflect and pray, through many prayer and reflection areas and vibrant displays. Prayer areas are well used by all members of the community. The mural in the children’s entrance, which was completed by the children with a local artist, is particularly striking and promotes the values that are at the very heart of the school. A reception child explained; ‘Our school is special because God holds us in his hands.’

The impact of collective worship on the school community is outstanding Collective worship is central to the life of the school and underpins the Christian ethos. It has a significant impact on the children’s spiritual development. Planning for worship is thorough. It takes account of the church year as well as the fruits of the spirit, which underpin all aspects of school life. Boxes are placed strategically around the school and they are used by the children to enable them to say when they have seen others demonstrate these values. The school has recently won a Church School distinctiveness award for creating the box system for the children. During the observed worship, the children demonstrated an understanding of the trinity and responded well to all aspects of the worship, which was planned and led well. The children spoke enthusiastically about worship and how it helps them in all aspects of their lives, in particular Bible stories. One year one child explained that his favourite Bible verse was Psalm 100, as it helped him every day of his life. The evaluation of worship, which was an issue during the last inspection, is now a particular strength of the school and involves all stakeholders. Prayer and opportunities for quiet reflection are both a powerful and important parts of worship. The children’s own prayers are often used in worship alongside traditional prayers. The children are very familiar with a range of Anglican traditions and enjoy worshiping in church. One child explained that this was because; ‘There is a special atmosphere. You can feel the presence of God.’ Worship is led and organised well and training has ensured that all staff lead worship confidently. The sincerity and relevance of worship ensures that pupils and staff gain inspiration, are encouraged to grow spiritually and are personally affirmed. Prayer is a frequent feature of school life, certainly not confined to worship times and the building is utilised appropriately to facilitate this. Consideration now needs to be given to provide a place outside where everyone can pray and reflect.

The effectiveness of the religious education is outstanding

Religious education (RE) is led and taught by the subject leader throughout the school. It receives a very high profile within the school curriculum. Standards of work in RE are in line with other core subjects, which are of a very high standard and the children expressed how much they enjoyed RE. Children make very good progress with all areas of their learning. Governors are aware of the high standards achieved in RE through the termly contribution that the subject leader makes to the headteacher report to governors. Marking and 2 NS 02 2013 SIAMS Inspection School Report assessment strategies inform future planning and also provide opportunities for the children to reflect on key questions. This has been an area of improvement since the last inspection. Written work is completed to a very high standard. The school now needs to introduce a system which records the learning that takes place during more creative RE lessons. The children’s knowledge of Bible stories is particularly strong and the children spoke confidently of the impact that specific stories have had on them. One child explained; ‘Daniel was brave and trusted God. If I put my trust in God he will save me.’ During an observed lesson, the reception children could say who Jesus’ disciples were and the types of people they were too. Teaching of world faiths is a strength and the children recognise the importance of learning about other faiths and Christianity around the world. The children spoke enthusiastically about a recent visit to the Jewish Museum in Manchester.

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the school as a church school is outstanding The headteacher has a clear Christian vision for the school, which is well supported by the staff, parents and governors. The headteachers’ own Christian conviction shines through all aspects of her leadership. The governors know the school very well and there is a strong commitment between church, community and school. The governors also demonstrate a clear understanding of the strengths of, and areas of development for, the school and they provide good support and appropriate challenge to the headteacher. Their part in the self- evaluation process is good. The self-evaluation process is thorough and the Christian distinctiveness of the school is always given priority in the whole school improvement planning cycle. Staff have many opportunities for professional development and consequently all make a significant and outstanding contribution to the distinctiveness and effectiveness of the school. The school’s mission statement is truly at the heart of the school and it is valued by all, along with the fruits of the spirit. The school motto; ‘learning through faith’ is evident in all areas of school life. Parents value the leadership of the school and are confident that any concerns or issues are dealt with swiftly and appropriately. Parents also appreciate the distinctiveness of the school; ‘God’s love is here, I couldn’t wish for my child to come to a better place.’

SIAMS report May 2013 St Mary’s Church of England school, Newchurch in Pendle BB12 9JP

3 NS 02 2013 SIAMS Inspection School Report