Gwella Inspection of Church in Schools Report Betws yn Rhos Voluntary Controlled school, Betws Yn Rhos.Conway LL22AW Local authority: Conway Dates of inspection: 7th and 8th November 2018 Date of last inspection: 2012 School’s unique reference. number: 6623062 Acting Headteacher: Mrs Carys Wellsbury B.A Inspector’s name : Mr Gareth Williams M.Ed. School context Betws Yn Rhos school is a welsh medium voluntary controlled school in the Church in Wales. The school is located in a rural area, in the village of Betws Yn Rhos, about four miles from the town of . The school is a co-educational one that provides for boys and girls between 3-11 years of age. A significant number of children 50% come from homes where Welsh is spoken as a first language, with the rest of the children coming from homes where English is spoken. On the register, the school has 68 pupils including nine part-time nursery children. None of the pupils is registered for free school meals. 15% of pupils have been identified, as having additional learning needs. At present no child has been exempted from Religious Education or Collective Worship.

The distinctiveness and effectiveness of as a Church in Wales school are good Betws yn Rhos school incorporates its church school status naturally in all aspects of school life, enjoying strong links with the church of St Michael and the it serves. A strong ethos of love and care is identified within the school. The children appreciate and enjoy their membership of the school. Canon Quentin Bellamy visits every month to lead services and give advice on religious issues. The Bishop's Visitor, Mrs Carol Thomas, is also a supportive member of the school team. Pupils are curious when questioning and reflecting on the world in which they live, spiritual issues and moral challenges. They have many opportunities to contribute to their learning environment and the wider world. All this is done through reflection and appreciation of the world God has created.

Established strengths • The excellent behaviour, and attitude of the children. • The excellent moral development of the children. • The children of Betws Yn Rhos are well supported by all adults to secure their full potential. • The high standard of Collective Worship. • The good use that is made of I.C.T. to support Religious Education and Collective Worship.

Focus for development • To ensure that Gwella self evaluation processes continue to be developed and refined • To ensure that the staff are given regular opportunities to plan, organise and present Worship as part of their professional development. • Develop pupil voice in the self evaluation of R.E. and Collective Worship. • To ensure that the children are given regular opportunities to plan, organise and present Worship. • To ensure that reflective areas inside and outside the school are more prominent to the children

The prospects for Improvement in the future are good

The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is good at meeting the needs of all learners The contribution of Religious Education to the Christian Character of the school is good A distinctive Christian caring ethos permeates throughout the school, which has a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of staff and pupils, giving a very good foundation to enable teaching and learning to take place. Most pupils across the school achieve well according to their age and ability, including pupils with SEN and more able and talented pupils, Nearly all pupils make two stages of progress over a key stage. Evidence is seen in lesson observations, when evaluating pupils' workbooks, discussions with pupils and external consultants.

Distinctive Christian values are made clear and are integral to the daily life of the school. Christian values and artefacts are seen prominently displayed. All members of the school community express and articulate distinctive Christian values and the significant impact they have on the daily lives and learner achievement. When asked if they would like anything to change within the school, not one of the children wanted anything to change!!

A well-developed interpretation of spirituality is articulated by learners across the school. The children have regular opportunities to take part in high quality experiences that develop personal inspiration. The children are passionate and confident to express their thoughts and opinions in detail through a rich variety of styles and media.

During Collective Worship, pupils use a variety of prayers, songs and affirmations of an early age. Canon Quentin Bellamy leads worship regularly. Pupils are given time to reflect during Collective Worship and are invited to join in prayer.

The school has worked hard to ensure that Religious Education is appropriately placed in the curriculum. Good planning strategies make the most of the cross curricular links and encourage pupils to develop their skills. Information Technology is well used and the quality of lessons is good, thereby enabling pupils to have a wide range of knowledge and understanding.

By planning together in key key stages, the staff with the subject co-ordinator ensures continuity and continuity across the school. Religious Education has been updated to include the Literacy and Numeracy Framework. The assessment, recording and reporting within RE is in place, and the processes are effective.

During Religious Education lessons pupils are encouraged to ask questions appropriate to their age and ability, reflecting on the meaning and messages. They are then asked to consider how these affect their own lives. Pupils, staff, parents and the wider community share very good relationships. This enables the children to feel safe and secure and valued as individuals, which ensure that they are best placed to take advantage of the curriculum and fulfil their potential. By learning about other cultures and religions, the pupils have varied and rich opportunities to develop an understanding of global citizenship. The school is committed to supporting a broad number of charities on a regular basis in this country and abroad.

Using a variety of teaching and learning styles, staff ensure that all pupils are included and have opportunities for spiritual reflection. Religious Education lessons are provided as part of the regular weekly timetable. Curriculum provision is monitored by the head teacher, and the governor responsible for Religious Education. A strong religious element within Religious Education is established which underpins the spiritual life of the school and it is good to see the Holy Spirit at work within the curriculum. The Canon and Bishop Visitor's input is greatly appreciated by everyone in the school community.

The impact of Collective Worship on the school community is good Collective Worship is a positive experience for the pupils and is an essential part of school life. Staff attend worship regularly and take an active role with the pupils. Children have opportunities to take part and lead worship on special occasions, in many different ways. The school makes excellent use of Welsh and religious culture during Collective Worship, through stories, prayers, hymns and instructions. Time is devoted within Collective Worship to share and celebrate individual talent and achievement.

Collective Worship at Betws school is provided on a daily basis. Pupils lead services at key times throughout the Christian calendar. Parents will also be invited to attend these events. The Christian ethos of the school is reflected by providing focal points with Christian symbols and appropriate music, appropriate responses, prayers, and a time to reflect.

Christian values are at the heart of the school and its diverse activities. An excellent example of Christian values in action is the work of the “ Playground Buddies” During Worship children are encouraged to walk into the space quietly and reverently. They sit down and put themselves into a receptive frame of mind for Worship and prayer. A candle is lit to indicate the beginning and end of worship. When extinguishing the flame the spirit is sent to many different people and causes. The school includes the church year in its long term plans.

Canon Quentin Bellamy leads Collective Worship at school on a regular basis. The children are encouraged to model their behaviour on the Christian values and teachings, through biblical stories, and are encouraged to live these out in their daily lives. Perhaps the next step is for both staff and children to have opportunities to research,plan, organise, present and evaluate Collective Worship on a regular basis.

The school aims to ensure that acts of Collective Worship are interactive, as appropriate. Questions are asked and the pupils are encouraged to take part, through oral contributions, reading prayers and stories, and take time to reflect on the current theme.

Collective Worship includes celebrations of other cultures and religions and are underpinned by the school's values. Services reflect Christian values. Collective Worship and the reflective session give children the opportunity to reflect as part of their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Collective Worship provides specific opportunities for pupils and staff to worship God and use the Bible.In general, pupils respond positively to Collective Worship and they listen and respond well. There are clear guidelines on acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. Behavioural outcomes are discussed and Christian teachings, for example, forgiveness, will be used where appropriate. There is a strong ethos of love and care within the school.

The Social, Moral,Spiritual and Cultural dimension, global issues, as well as regular visitors to the school, all help shape spiritual and moral development. The school takes care to deal appropriately with sensitive and confidential issues. Staff treat pupils as individuals, celebrate diversity and success appropriately, and are aware of people's difficulties.

It is clear that the children enjoy listening, and taking part in Collective Worship. They can recite many of their favorite stories from the Bible appreciating the moral messages. In discussion with the children they stated that they had many opportunities offered to them during worship to develop their understanding of God and appreciate the power of prayer.

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the school as a church school is good The headteacher who has been in post since 2012, ensures that her Christian vision for the ethos of the school is conveyed and modeled throughout the day for pupils, parents and visitors. The headteacher, the Governing Body and all the staff work as a team to promote the ethos and vision of the school. The Governing Body, including Foundation Governors, support the school's Christian character and take part in the strategic planning process, thereby ensuring that the school provides the best education for its pupils.

The Religious Education leader meets regularly with the Governor responsible for Religious Education to evaluate the area through discussions with staff, scrutiny of books and plans. There is a good supply of Religious Education and Biblical resources available at school.

During special times of the Christian year, pupils take a leading role in church services. This demonstrates the importance of the Christian calendar to the pupils and also their inclusion within the church family.

The Collective Worship policy has recently been reviewed by the staff and Governors. The Bishop’s Visitor Mrs. Carol Thomas visits every half term to offer guidance, support and advice,to monitor work and related activities for Religious Education and Collective Worship.

The school strives hard to keep parents aware of their children's progress. They are invited to an open evening in September, and then regularly at other times during the year. A full report is issued in July. There are good opportunities for parents to meet with teachers and communicate effectively with the school through a letter, email and text. There is an open door policy for parents.

The Parent and Teacher committee supports the school well and raises significant money for the school. This has enabled the school to provide further opportunities for the children, including trips, developing the playground and providing additional resources for the school.

Staff share a clear vision for the school. The governing body acts as critical friends to the head teacher and are more willing to challenge the headteacher now. They receive reports on the school's developments and the performance data at each governor meeting through the headteacher's report. This ensures governors' accountability for learning and teaching standards. The governors are enthusiastic and support the school well. Their skills as Governors are developing in their role of providing support and challenge.

The professional development of the headteacher and all staff is a priority. They are always encouraged to take part in courses offered by the Diocese. The school has strong links with the church and the wider community that is very supportive of the school and all its activities with the pupils especially at important times within the church year e.g. Harvest, Lighting the Christmas tree and Easter.

In Betws Yn Rhos school the ethos prevails, where pupils and staff feel safe and cared for. All staff aim to give pupils the best education they can, both spiritually and academically. The governing body as "critical friends" are willing to give their time whenever possible, to ensure that pupils and staff are led and supported. The governors are fully committed to the Christian values of the school.

The school fulfils all the statutory requirements for Collective Worship

The content of this report should be considered alongside the Estyn team’s Section 28 report. I would like to thank the Estyn inspection team for their co operation. We would also like to thank the Headteacher, Staff, Governors and Pupils of Betws Yn Rhos school for their welcome and cooperation. Mr Gareth Williams M.Ed.

Report under Section 50 of the Education Act 2005 Arolwg o dan Adran 50 o Ddeddf Addysg 2005

Parents’ Questionnaire - Holiadur Rhieni

There were 28 responses - Yr oedd 28 ymateb

YES / YDWYF NO / NAC YDWYF

A ydych yn ymwybodol mai Ysgol Eglwys yw Are you aware that this is a church school? 28 hon?

Do you believe that the school is a place which A ydych o’r farn fod yr ysgol yn sefydliad sydd 28 is built upon clear Christian values? wedi ei adeiladu ar sylfaen Gristionogol glir?

This is a Church School, that is a school with a Ysgol Eglwys, sef ysgol gyda chymeriad Christian character. Was this fact important Cristionogol, yw hon. A oedd y ffaith yma yn 15 13 when you were choosing a school for your bwysig wrth I chi ddewis ysgol i’ch child/children? plentyn/plant?

Strongly Strongly Agree Neither Dusagree agree disagree

Mae cymeriad Cristnogol nodedig yn perthyn i’r The school has a distinctive Christian character 13 11 4 ysgol

The school’s distinctive Christian character Mae cymeriad Cristionogol nodedig yn gwneud makes a significant contribution to pupils’ 17 3 6 2 cyfraniad awyddocaol I addysg y disgyblion. education

Pupils find Collective Worship a valuable Ym marn y disgyblion, mae’r addoli ar y cyd yn 16 4 6 2 experience brofiad gwerthfawr

The school has effective links with the local Mae gan yr ysgol gysylltiadau effeithiol â’r eglwys 20 7 1 church and other faith communities leol a chymunedau ffydd eraill.

Mae’r ysgol yn hysbysu’r rhieni yn dda am y The school keeps parents well informed about 10 13 1 3 1 gwaith a wna’r disgyblon mewn Addysg the work that pupils do in Religious Education Grefyddol

The school encourages pupils to care for God’s Mae’r ysgol yn hybu’r disgyblion i ofalu am Creation(the environment) as well as for 20 7 1 Greadigaeth Duw (yr amgylchfed), yn ogystal â’n themselves nhw eu hunain..

The school encourages pupils to consider people Mae’r ysgol yn hybu’r disgyblion i ystyried pobl in other countries, and how they can assist them, 17 9 1 1 mewn gwledydd eraill, a sut fedran nhw eu when help is required cynorthwyo pan bo angen.

The school ensures links are made with the local Mae gan yr ysgol gysylltiadau effeithiol â’r 19 3 3 3 community gymuned leol..

Cytuno’n Y nail Anghytun Cytuno Anghytuno llwyr na’r llall o’n llwyr