A ‘loving school family’ which lives out their vision of ‘Learn to love, Love to learn’
‘A highly inclusive church school which welcomes all pupils and families into its extended family’ - that’s the verdict of an inspector who visited Churchfield Church School last month.
A SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspector visited the school in Highbridge, delivering an overall verdict of ‘Good’ after noting how the leadership team has driven a path of ‘continual improvement’.
She said: “Leaders are passionate about, and successful in enabling all pupils and adults to be the best they can be. Staff speak of belonging to a loving school family. They appreciate the support, both professional and personal, that they receive from leaders and each other.
“The whole community lives out the school’s distinctive Christian vision (Learn to love, Love to learn) and PRAISE values (perseverance, respect, acceptance and friendship, independence, selflessness, empathy and compassion) are known by everyone.”
As part of the inspection, parents were asked for their views with one saying: “One parent said, ‘Staff are patient. They persevere with children and never give up.’
There was also high praise for the teaching and learning in the school, which is carried out in a ‘calm environment with an engaging curriculum’.
The report added: “The school’s learning environment is calm and the curriculum engaging. The curriculum has been constructed to support pupil needs and there is a full and exciting extracurricular programme. Character development is enhanced by the ‘Churchfield Challenge’ which is tailored to suit the needs of individual pupils. It encourages the development of life skills such as resilience and selflessness.
“All pupils, whatever their needs, are given a fresh start every day and support to address their needs. In line with the Christian vision, behaviour management is based upon respect and forgiveness, which pupils and families recognise and appreciate.”
The school also works with parents and the local community as well as the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust and the local parish church.
“The vicar supports school life by leading worship for all pupils in the church each week and supporting the delivery of the RE curriculum. The BWMAT and diocese provide such things as leadership support and CPD. Churchfield school is also outward facing making a significant contribution to BWMAT schools through their expertise in early years foundation stage (EYFS).”
The school’s successful nursery also earned praise: “The forward-thinking inclusion of the nursery in all aspects of school life, curriculum and activities is improving pupil outcomes. The challenges of transition from nursery into the reception year are mostly removed. Consequently, the school’s Christian loving approach to learning can start early in children’s lives.”
And it was noted how collective worship is ‘central to school life and well planned’.
Executive Headteacher Clare Greene said: “We are so pleased to have received such a positive endorsement of our vision and the way we follow this every day in school. We are indeed a ‘team’ of pupils, families, staff, our Trust and the wider community and it was gratifying to see this recognised. Of course, we do not stand still, and we will continue to seek constant improvement in all that we do.”
BWMAT chief executive Nikki Edwards said: “At Churchfield, from the early days in nursery to Year 6, pupils are given every opportunity to develop not only in curriculum subjects but also as young citizens in their community. We are so proud of Clare and all the team.”