| Name of School: |
Rushall |
| Address: |
Rushall, Pewsey Wiltshire SN9
6EN |
| Type of school: |
Primary |
| Status : |
Voluntary Aided |
| Diocese: |
Salisbury |
| LEA: |
Wiltshire |
| Dates of Inspection: |
26th April, 2007 |
| Date of last inspection: |
March 2002 |
| School’s URN: |
126410 |
| Name of Headteacher: |
Mrs M. Harvey |
| Inspector (National Society Number): |
Mrs Marian Fulkes (18) |
|
School Context
Rushall Aided Primary School is situated
in a rural setting in a small village. Most of the intake is from
surrounding villages. There are 76 on roll. The children come from a
variety of situations, affluent homes, social housing and military
families. The church is within walking distance. Since the last Inspection
a large extension has been built providing the school with a hall and
increased classroom areas. There has been a large turnover of staff in the
interim. |
Summary
Judgement
Rushall VA
Primary School is a good school.
There are some outstanding elements in its
RE and worship. The Christian ethos supports the children in promoting
positive attitudes and learning. |
Established
strengths
-
Children are confident
in the caring environment. Behaviour is good.
-
The quality of teaching
in RE is very good eliciting some outstanding responses from the
children.
-
There is great support
from the Governing Body and the Vicar.
|
Focus for
development
-
Develop the Christian
atmosphere throughout the school with focus areas, including visual
displays.
-
Ensure other religions
receive adequate coverage.
-
Improve the quality of
Christian resources as well as those for other religions.
|
|
How well
does the school, through its distinctive Christian character, meet the
needs of all learners?
The Christian character of
the school is good. The ethos of the school is calm and caring.
Children are confident in expressing opinions and asking questions.
Children with particular needs work in small groups to ensure inclusion
and understanding. Having a Downs syndrome child at school has increased
the children’s awareness of different people’s needs. Parents and
governors are supportive and attend the school’s church services and
functions with enthusiasm. The curriculum is balanced and teacher skills
are used well. The Vicar is a regular welcome visitor who provides
reinforcement of the Christian character. Each child receives a Bible on
entry to the school and a crucifix or St Christopher on leaving. |
What is the
impact of collective worship on the school community?
Acts of Worship are
good. The Act of Worship is an important part of the day. Everyone
joins in with the opening response “The candle is lit.” “Jesus is with
us.” Themes are developed by different members of staff over the half
term. The children are involved in acting out a story and reading out
their own prayers, which are very sensitive. Pupils understand the
importance of prayer; for example, prayers are said before lunch and at
the end of the day; each class has its own prayer which is displayed. The
Vicar is often in school and leads worship every two weeks. |
*How
effective is the religious education?
RE
is good and improving. The new RE co-ordinator has brought fresh
enthusiasm to the subject. She has received training on the new locally
agreed syllabus and has supported other staff as a result. She has worked
hard on organising the timetable on a two to three year rolling programme
(due to some vertical grouping). Visitors with other religions enhance the
children’s learning. Resources are being increased, and Christian
resources need improving too. RE work is monitored jointly by teachers.
The children were asked searching questions to develop their knowledge of
symbols about Easter. The oldest children considered Life and Death and,
through some excellent leadership, produced high quality, considered work.
There were moments of stillness in their reflection. |
How effective are the
leadership and management of the school as a church school?
Leadership and
management are good. The Headteacher works closely with the staff
and Governing body. Although some are quite new, people settle into the
team very quickly. Children also settle into classes very readily. Despite
her teaching commitment, the Headteacher has spent a lot of time inducting
new staff and providing cover. Staff work hard showing enthusiasm and
commitment. Teachers are available to speak to parents before or after
school and at a regular ‘surgery’ time every week. Parents are encouraged
to voice concerns so that problems may be sorted out. Several governors
support the children’s learning in class or help with after school clubs.
Communication
between all the stakeholders is good, and positive attitudes between them
flourish. The Vicar is very visible in school and available to staff and
children if spiritual guidance or support is required. He occasionally
takes RE lessons as well as leading Worship every fortnight. Informal
discussions about the school often take place between Headteacher,
governors and staff as there are so many there at any one time. |
|
 |
to view the 11 page pdf of our OFSTED Inspection report which was
carried out on 20 March 2007.