National Society Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools Report
Grasby All Saints Church of England Primary School
Vicarage Lane
Grasby
Barnetby
DN38 6AU
Diocese: Lincoln
Local authority: Lincolnshire
Dates of inspection: 24 April 2012
Date of last inspection: 4 January 2007
School’s unique reference number: 120571
Headteacher: Mrs June Richardson
Inspector’s name and number: Mrs Patricia Ruff 537
School context
The school is much smaller than average serving the village of Grasby and surrounding area.
The large majority of the 100 learners are White British and the number of learners with
special educational needs or disability is below average. The number of learners joining the
school other than normal times is well above average. The head teacher was appointed in
September 2010.
The distinctiveness and effectiveness of Grasby All Saints Church of England Primary
School as a Church of England school are good
A strong Christian ethos based on core values of respect, responsibility, truthfulness,
friendship and perseverance is at the heart of the school and results in a shared vision as a
church school. Well-focused school leadership promotes an inclusive learning environment
in which learners form positive relationships valuing friendship. Good partnerships between
the school, the community and the church make the school environment a safe, calm and
supportive place to be.
Established strengths
•
•
•
•
A strong Christian ethos which creates an inclusive and caring environment.
An explicit vision, driven by strong leadership from the headteacher and foundation
governors, based on Christian tradition.
Good relationships established through shared values.
Excellent links with the church and local community.
Focus for development
•
•
•
•
Create opportunities within the curriculum to embed values and make explicit the social,
moral, spiritual and cultural dimension and further develop the skills of reflection.
Develop the monitoring role of middle leaders to actively contribute to the evaluation of
the school as a church school and support the headteacher in moving it forward.
Make full use of the quiet areas around the school to provide opportunities for reflection.
Embed partnerships with other schools to address diversity through exploring global
citizenship and world faiths.
The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is outstanding at meeting the
needs of all learners
The school’s distinctive Christian character meets the needs of all learners very well. All
stakeholders have been involved in the review of values which are explicit throughout the
school. Good role modelling by all adults ensures Christian values are lived out in daily life of
the school and behaviour is well managed. Learners, of all ages, are able to articulate how
values are demonstrated by their peers. Clear examples are displayed in the Year 1 and Year
2 classroom, with learners able to explain which values are more difficult to see in the actions
of others. Through the daily work of the school Christian values are seen to encourage
spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This is also evident at social times including
lunchtimes. There are supportive relationships between governors, staff and learners which
are reflected through a strong Christian ethos creating an inclusive school in which each
individual is nurtured and enabled to flourish. The school environment makes a significant
contribution to the distinctive Christian character of the school and to the spiritual
development of learners and this is developing in the outdoor environment where there is a
need to encourage opportunities for reflection. A good example of this is the thought
provoking display on ‘Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?’ which shows the importance
the school places on promoting its values and Christian character. A powerful lesson in Year
5 and Year 6 on rights and responsibilities enabled all learners to participate in discussion
and raise issues pertinent to them. Learning was extended further through skilful questioning
by the teacher to challenge and deepen thinking. Learners are developing an understanding
of their role in local, national and global communities. They are reflecting on a range of
experiences including links with France, Morocco and Gambia through the Schools2Schools
Charity and with Ethiopia through Point of Contact.
The impact of collective worship on the school community is good
Collective worship makes a good impact on pupils’ spiritual and moral development. It is
recognised as a significant part of the school day and daily takes place in the parish church a
short distance from the school. The whole school joins together and quietly assembles. Older
children prepare for the daily act of worship taking on a number of responsibilities for
example preparing the music, distributing songbooks and setting out the worship table. There
is a good level of participation including the lighting of the candle, readings and singing.
Music is a strength and is strongly supported by the contributions of a foundation governor.
Learners engage well, thoughtfully responding to questions and reflecting. This was evident
when a helium balloon was used to explore truthfulness and, the moment of awe and wonder,
as it was released and disappeared into the distance. Weekly class worship enables
important ideas and concepts to be extended in an age appropriate way. Prayer plays an
important part, with all learners joining in the school prayer and having opportunities to write
and share prayers through the prayer box and special prayer corners in each classroom.
Learners of all ages, have a good understanding of the meaning and relevance of prayer.
Collective worship is well planned as a result of good monitoring and evaluation including
regular reviews with the worship group made up of pupils and staff. Suggestions, including
the introduction of prayer slips, are taken forward to further develop worship. Collective
worship is strongly influenced by the incumbent and Canon Judy, both of whom are well
known to the school community, and who lead worship on a regular basis. Collective worship
includes social and emotional aspects of learning (SEAL), special days and festivals in the
church calendar including an agape service. The daily act of worship is valued by all
members of the school community including parents who speak of their enjoyment of taking
part
The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the school as a church school
is good
The very active foundation governors have provided significant support and leadership in a
period of change, both of governance and staffing, to maintain the vision of the school as a
church school. Good succession planning has maintained their focus on developing the
church school community and this has been supported through training from Diocesan
Education staff. The headteacher has fully embraced this development leading a review of
values and policies, including collective worship and through collecting views from parents,
learners and other stakeholders to shape future development. There is a need to take this
work forward to strengthen learners’ understanding of the core values and to further their
spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. All stakeholders, including parents, speak
highly of the strong Christian ethos and its impact on learners. Middle leaders are now in
place to actively develop their monitoring role and fully contribute to the school self
evaluation. The Bishop’s Visitor provides effective and consistent support and knows the
school community well. All stakeholders, including learners, can articulate how Christian
values influence most aspects of the school’s life. There is a need to develop partnerships
with other schools to widen learners’ understanding and experience of diversity through
exploring global citizenship and major world faiths. This is a recognised development area.
All areas from the previous denominational inspection have been addressed. Leadership and
management of the school, as a church School, are good and the school is well placed to
move forward.
SIAS report April 2012 Grasby All Saints Church of England Primary School Barnetby DN38
6AU