National Society Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools Report

Howden Infant of Foundation School Hailgate Goole DN14 7SL Diocese: York Local authority: East Riding Dates of inspection: 16 th May 2011 Date of last inspection: 15 th November 2007 School’s unique reference number: 118121 Headteacher: Miss Jane Cawthorn Inspector’s name and number: Celia Roberts 469

School Context Howden is slightly smaller than the average sized infant school. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is below average. The proportion of pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds is well below the national average. The proportion of children with special educational needs/disabilities is average, although the number of children with a statement of special educational needs is lower than average. The school has received national recognition for some aspects of its work. These include the Activemark, Healthy Schools Status and Investors in Pupils.

The distinctiveness and effectiveness of Howden Infant School as a school are good The Christian foundation of the school is reflected well in all areas of school life. Pupils thrive both academically and socially due to the clear Christian vision of the school, which has a good impact on relationships and behaviour. The headteacher, staff and governors work hard to ensure that Christian values are central to school life. There are positive links with the church and local community, which provides a springboard for wider cohesion.

Established strengths • The provision of high quality education within a Christian environment. • A staff team who, led by a strong leader, work well together and support the school’s mission statement. • The impact of the positive partnerships with parents, and the wider community.

Focus for development • Involve governors in monitoring and evaluation of worship. • Access training for governors on what it means to be a distinctive church school, the school vision and underpinning Christian values. • Develop interactive reflection areas in classrooms to further develop pupils’ spirituality.

The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is good at meeting the needs of all learners Learners thrive in the strong Christian ethos which permeates the school, evident in displays and interactions between all members of the school. This is clearly underpinned by the mission statement, which begins ‘roots to grow and wings to fly’. The strong focus on care and respect, and excellent relationships and behaviour, results in happy and confident pupils. Despite their young age, pupils relish responsibility. For example pupils can opt to be a ‘friendly face’ at playtime, or a ‘play leader’, as well as other roles thus supporting their peers. One pupil said ‘if someone is being mean to them, they can rely on me to be their friend and help sort things out’. Pupils know which key Christian values are important to their school. Pupils state ‘school wants us to be happy and helpful in the world’ and ‘we think about Jesus and learn a lot from him’. Through a variety of fundraising events such as the shoebox appeal for the charity Samaritan’s purse, pupils are encouraged to become responsible citizens and also put Christian values into everyday action. Through an impressive religious education (RE) programme and community cohesion projects pupils’ understanding of faiths other than Christianity is developed. For example a display of work on the theme what makes a good community, highlighted pupil comments such as ‘being kind, a big smile’ and ‘by being loving and giving’. These comments mirror the interactions in school. Display around school is outstanding and enhances pupil’s spiritual development. However there is scope to develop this further through interactive reflection areas in classrooms.

The impact of collective worship on the school community is good Collective worship occupies a central place in the life of the school and is based on clear Christian themes. The importance of this time is highlighted by all staff attending worship throughout the week. Planning is thorough, with themes being set by the headteacher and team , to ensure celebration of key Christian festivals, and themes related to Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL).Other themes are included as appropriate to curriculum and pupil needs. Consequently, pupils see the relevance of worship, look forward to it and enjoy it as a special part of their day. For example pupils articulate how the themes help them to be ‘happy and helpful in the World’ and ‘help us to think about Jesus’. Worship is having a good impact on pupil’s spiritual and moral development, for example through reflection time in worship when pupils are asked to think about their actions towards others . Further opportunities are being introduced through being still and meditating. Anglican traditions are developed through the use of artefacts such as lighting a candle and the presence of a Cross, but also through use of song and prayer. Pupils know the Lord’s Prayer and are starting to learn what the Eucharist means to Christians through RE lessons. Prayer is very well developed throughout school and pupils proudly pointed out their big book of prayers used for worship. Attitudes to worship are very good, with pupils entering calmly to music and showing respect and good will at all times. Pupils have opportunity to take part in planning and leading worship in Howden and also for class worship. The team rector leads worship regularly as do the headteacher and some staff members. The school has identified the need to develop this further to include leaders from other denominations. Although monitoring and evaluation of worship by staff and pupils takes place there is little formal involvement of governors in the process.

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the school as a church school is good The headteacher articulates a clear Christian vision for the school based on Christian values. Senior leaders and staff fully support this vision. This is evident not only in the good relationships throughout school between children and adults, but also in the way children are rewarded and praised. The Christian vision for the school is promoted in written communications to parents, particularly through the support of church - school links such as celebrations and RE visits at Howden Minster. Governors are extremely supportive of the school but have not yet accessed diocesan training on what it means to be a governor of a distinctive church school, and also exploring the Christian vision and values. Links with parents are very good. Parents are overwhelmingly proud and pleased with all aspects of the school and its Christian character. They state the underlying Christian value ‘treat others as you wish to be treated’ is put into practice every day in many ways. They have opportunity to give feedback about the school, including its distinctive Christian character at parents meetings. However, gathering more detailed feedback regarding all aspects of the school as a church school is currently underdeveloped. The headteacher and senior leaders have a clear understanding of needs in terms of succession planning for church schools and staff are encouraged to attend relevant training and diocesan briefings. Church school links are good as are links with the community and diocese. For example the school takes part in Christmas and Summer fairs at Howden Minster and regularly sings at the local Christmas market fair and at a local care home. The headteacher attends diocesan leadership meetings and children will take part in the National Society bi centenary celebrations at . SIAS report May 2011 Howden Infant CE F School, Hailgate, Howden, Goole DN14 7SL