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Diocese of St. Asaph Inspection of a Church in Voluntary Aided Primary School

under Section 50 of the Education Act 2005

All Saints’,

Voluntary Aided Primary School

Wrexham, LL12 8RW

School’s Unique Reference Number: 6653338

LEA County Borough Council

Date of Inspection November 2012

Head teacher Mr Glyn Williams

Chair of Governors Robert Willis

Section 50 Inspector: Mrs Christine Robinson

Date of publication December 2012

All Saints’ C in W V.A. Gresford

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This report may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that all extracts quoted are reproduced verbatim without adaptation and the source and date stated.

Copies of the Report are available from the school. Under the School Inspection Act 2003, the school must provide copies of the Report free of charge to certain categories of people. A charge, not exceeding the cost of reproduction, may be made to others requesting a copy of the Report.

CONTENTS: 1. Characteristics of the School 2. Summary 3. Remarks on the Key Questions 4. Established Strengths 5. Focus for Development

The inspector would like to thank the head teacher, staff, governors, parents and pupils for the opportunity to be part of the life of the school, and to thank them for their cooperation and consideration during the inspection.

Characteristics of the school

All Saints’ V.A Primary School is situated in the village of Gresford, just outside the of Wrexham. The original school dates from the eighteenth century. As the village has increased in population the school has been extended with the most recent additions being added in 2006 and 2010. The school is well resourced and there are extensive grounds which have also been upgraded recently. The children come from Gresford and outlying villages. This is a popular school. The number on roll is at present 342.

Summary Judgement

All Saints’ Gresford is a good school with a distinct Christian ethos within the broad Anglican tradition. The head teacher, governors, staff and children are continuing to develop their commitment to the Church school ethos. The management team is continually increasing effectiveness in developing pupils’ personal qualities and achievements. The school has identified “ways forward” that are appropriate and set in a realistic time scale. There is strong evidence that the school has made good progress since the last inspection which has been consistent and areas in the ‘focus for development’ have been achieved.

The school Mission Statement has been reviewed and is displayed around the school as well as being included as the opening paragraph of the Prospectus.

English is the main language spoken. No pupils within the school use Welsh as a first language.

The parish Church is very near and links continue to be developed. The children celebrate the main Christian Festivals there.

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No pupil is withdrawn for Collective Worship or Religious Education.

2. Summary Two acts of Collective Worship and three religious education lessons were observed.

The three Key Questions were judged as follows:

1. Does the school have a distinctive Christian character Good and is this reflected in the experience of the learners? 2. How does the school’s Christian character impact on Good the wellbeing of each pupil and the whole school community?

3. How well is the school led and managed as a Church Good school?

N.B. Estyn’s four point scale is used: Excellent, Good, Adequate and Unsatisfactory

“Does the school fulfil its statutory requirements for Collective Worship, Religious Education, admissions and information for Parents?”

YES.

3. Remarks on the Key Questions

3.1 . Does the school have a distinct Christian character which is reflected in the experience of the learners?

Yes, this school certainly does. There is a keenness to lead the good standards forward as is evident in the school’s Action Plan.

The overall judgement for this Key Question is Good.

3.1.1 How distinctive is the school’s Christian character?

The Christian character of the school is well established.

The mission statement has been revised since the previous inspection. It is relevant and meaningful.

There are good links with the Vicar and all governors.

As you enter the school you are immediately aware of the school’s Christian character through the Christian symbols and signage. There is a large painted cross with a welcome sign and displays that show evidence that the children are continually involved in charity work, some of the more recent including Operation Christmas Child and Salvation Army. Displays are evident from the entrance foyer, along corridors and into each classroom. The Head teacher and staff understand what it means to be part of a Church school and are sensitive to the ethos. Displays are relevant and most show the children’s involvement. Pupils also willingly explain their contribution with interest. A focus table in the main entrance reflects an aspect of the Churches Year and is thoughtfully displayed with children’s work included.

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The school badge reflects the Christian status of the school and links to the of . There is a Church Year display in the main hall and a worship table with appropriate colour cloth and candle which is lit for worship. The staff are working well to enable and develop cross curricular links when teaching Religious Education. There is a prominent display in the main hall where the children have expressed their values. This reflects good quality of the work achieved in Religious Education.

Cwricwlwm Cymreig is evident in planning and implementation.

The children are proud to be part of, and understand what it means to belong to, a Christian community.

Rating for this element: Good

3.1.2 What is the impact of Collective Worship on the whole school community?

Collective Worship has a positive influence on the whole school community; it is a whole school commitment.

Worship led by the children is thoughtfully presented and time spent afterwards reflecting on the theme by staff and children is valuable. Pupils sing enthusiastically and the music played, as children enter and leave, contributes to the calm atmosphere. Songs related to themes are enthusiastically sung. A space for quiet reflection is acknowledged.

The Altar is a central feature, having seasonal cloth and candle, a crucifix is also displayed in the hall. The candle is lit to signify the beginning of the service and extinguished at the end. During the week Collective worship is held as either a whole school or departmental service.

The planning, with themes alongside the Church’s year, and implication of Collective Worship has been and is continually being monitored by Vicar, Senior Management and School Council and reflect the broad spectrum of the Anglican tradition.

The school is fortunate to have the church very close and uses it for special services as well as a learning resource.

Worship is underpinned by key Christian values and enhances awareness of global citizenship.

Rating for this element: Good

3.1.3 How does the school’s curriculum support its Christian character?

Religious Education is taught mainly in line with the Church in Wales’s syllabus. Some well planned and thoughtful work is taking place and making a contribution to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils. Staff are increasingly recognising the need to develop space for reflection and spiritual issues.

The children are focussed on the task set and work within the time frame. They recall facts well and with interest. Planning is good though at times planning and implementation needs to be more in line with the Diocesan syllabus and further appropriate planning made for talented and more able children. There is a good awareness of cross curricular links and implementation is secure.

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Teachers are working to develop the skills framework which will enhance planning and assessment. To take this further would give children more responsibility for their learning and allow them to become involved in target setting and outcome. A greater responsibility for their own learning will give greater challenges, further enhancing already evident good standards.

Lessons observed were of a good quality although evidence of work in their books was more of a recall nature.

Rating for this element: Good

3.2 How does the school’s Christian character impact on the wellbeing of each pupil and the whole school community?

The overall judgement for this Key Question is Good.

3.2.1How effective is the school in shaping spiritual and moral development?

All Saints is a school with a sense of trust and respect. Increasingly careful planning is leading to a secure and established Church School ethos. The awareness of the spiritual life of the children is now embedded in planning and evident through school displays. Quiet reflection areas, biblical texts and crosses are evident in classrooms alongside some careful questions and thought provoking statements. Global Citizenship is valued and links with school in other countries is being developed.

The school focuses on giving to charities and the children and their families are involved in this.

Rating for this element: Good

3.2.2 How well does the school develop pupils’ personal qualities and achievements?

Pupils feel secure and value being members of the school. They are curious and questioning about the world.

All Saints’ school is an orderly and effective learning environment where individuals are valued and included.

The outside environment offers ample space and areas have recently been developed for the children with involvement from the school council. Outdoor spiritual areas are not yet a focus but are recognised as an area for development in the school Section 50 Action Plan.

There are displays around the school which highlight the charity work, overseas links, Christian values. Some displays show child involvement.

Rating for this element: Good

3.2.3 To what extent do the school’s Christian values underpin wellbeing?

All Saints is a welcoming, well organised and a caring school. Positive relationships are valued and an atmosphere where children feel secure has been created. Children are happy and respected.

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Increasingly there are strong links being developed for the children to have a voice. They are given time and their thoughts respected and valued.

Relevant policies are in place and implemented. Governors and parents are kept informed.

Rating for this element: Good

3.3 How well is the school led and managed as a church school?

Governors are supportive and willing to become involved under the guidance of the head teacher. There is an increasing awareness by all stakeholders of the value for children of recognising how the school’s Christian character can make a difference to the learning and personal development of the children.

The Chair of governors, Vicar, and Bishops Visitor have recently worked alongside the head teacher to focus areas for further securing Church School ethos.

3.3.1 How effective is the school at securing distributed and sustained church leadership?

This is becoming progressively well developed. The Head teacher is working alongside the Vicar and Chair of Governors to secure a valued support network. Links between the school and church are well established and now need to be shared and celebrated with the wider church and village community.

Rating for this element: Good

3.3.2 How effective is the leadership and management in securing the wellbeing of the community?

Safeguarding and Child protection policies are securely established. Parents are made aware of the distinctive nature of the Church school through visits and prospectus where their legal rights are also outlined. The children are given a secure foundation and they show respect for leadership and a keenness to learn and live Christian values. After school clubs enhance the children’s understanding of themselves alongside others. Their involvement in the wider community and world is well developed under the guidance of staff.

Rating for this element: Good

3.3.3 How well does the leadership and management of the school secure and support a sense of Christian belonging within and beyond the Church in Wales?

Appropriate time is allocated for Collective Worship and the regular involvement of the Vicar, and his role in supporting and leading Collective Worship is a strength. The use of the Church as a learning resource is good.

Increasing overseas links are forging that give the children a greater understanding of the wider world and the support for local and international charities has been well established. The use of the internet to link with children in other parts of the world is an exciting venture. Links with local High Schools are in early stages and partly hindered by the number of secondary schools accessed by the children.

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There is a conscious awareness that an increasing sense of belonging with and beyond the Church in Wales will give great value to all the school and wider community.

Rating for this element: Good

3.4 Parents’ Questionnaire.

Many parents completed the questionnaire and all knew that this was a church school. Some stated that they respected the positive, caring attitude and the provision made for their children. They acknowledged the information they received. A minority indicated they would welcome more information about what the children were studying in Religious Education.

4. Established Strengths:

1. The school’s willingness to increase the distinctive Christian ethos

2. The caring environment with great concern for learning and well being of children

3. The encouragement and support given to all children

5. Focus for Development

1. Continue to develop links with the church which include celebrating children’s achievements with the Church Community.

2. Develop further consistency in the planning and teaching of Religious Education, implementing learning opportunities to enable good work to become outstanding.

3. Give children the opportunity to plan and lead class worship.

4. Develop a portfolio of children’s work and achievements

5. Develop Spiritual Areas in the school grounds and include the need for appropriate signage outside of the building.

The content of this report should be considered alongside Estyn’s Section 28 report.

Appendix

Head teacher: Mr Glyn Williams Chair of Governors : Mr Robert Willis Vicar: Father Tudor Hughes Dates of Section 50 Inspection: November 2012 Section 50 Inspector: Christine Robinson Date of publication: December 2012

Christine Robinson

All Saints’ C in W V.A. Gresford