Hampstead Norreys CE Primary School, SIAS Inspection Report

The school is outstanding as a church school in both distinctiveness and effectiveness. It makes excellent provision for all its learners and the exemplary relationships within the school are characterised by Christian care and concern.

Established strengths

• There is a strong Christian atmosphere and the staff act as good role models.
• The school has an ethos, which is committed to developing the whole child through Christian principles.
• Collective worship is an integral part of the school day.

 Focus for development  

• The school should continue to maintain its outstanding, distinctive Christian character.
• It should continue to further develop the evaluation of collective worship.
• It should give learners a better understanding of the Anglican tradition

The school, through its distinctive Christian character, makes outstanding provision to meet the needs of all its learners, including children with special educational needs and those who are experiencing difficulties.

By the time the pupils leave the school at eleven, they are achieving high standards due to effective teaching, from a rich and interesting curriculum, delivered by highly motivated teachers. Children are proud of their achievements, which the school affirms during assemblies. Parents acknowledge how well the school knows its children and this is clearly demonstrated at the leaver’s assembly when the special qualities and characteristics of those leaving the school are formally recognised. The children know both themselves and their peers very well indeed.

Learners feel listened to through the school and class councils and by means of the pupil questionnaires. The school council, which has recently considered sanctions to be used within the school, has now made its decisions. The pupils felt they were always treated fairly and compassionately.

The school’s mission statement talks of a school committed to developing the whole child through Christian principles. It is clear that this impacts on the ethos of the school and permeates throughout the school community. The school successfully uses the surrounding area of outstanding natural beauty and times for reflection within collective worship to support pupils’ spiritual development. Pupils speak of being happy at school. They are proud to be there and they feel that the school is a friendly and enjoyable place where everyone is treated with kindness. They recognise that teaching in collective worship gives them an understanding of Christianity and other faiths and that it also teaches them the difference between right and wrong. The pupils show their concern for the wider world by becoming involved in raising money each year for a charity of their choice.

 The impact of collective worship on the school community is good. 

Staff and pupils value and appreciate the time they meet together in collective worship and react positively to this part of the school day. This is because worship occupies a central place in the life of the school and is well planned, using themes with a variety of moral social and cultural issues, viewed against a Christian background. The worship is consistently and recognisably Christian, making good links with the local church, especially through the contribution made by the vicar. The vicar is a frequent visitor to the school and leads collective worship each week. He also leads school services in the church.

In collective worship there are opportunities to explore Christianity and other faiths, as well as a time for spiritual and moral development. The school recognises that the evaluation of worship needs to be more sharply focused, alongside the need to improve the learners’ understanding of the Anglican tradition. Pupils play their part in worship by reading prayers, acting out stories, and taking part in various activities. The children know the words of the Lords Prayer, which is used during collective worship each week.

 The leadership and management of the school are both outstanding.

The headteacher and the governors provide exceptional and effective leadership and work in close partnership with one another. The school’s Christian purpose is clearly expressed in its mission statement, to be found in the school prospectus and in written policies. The mission statement is supported by all staff and is evident in all aspects of school life. There are strong and fruitful links with the church. The PCC and the vicar have an excellent working relationship with the headteacher and there are many joint initiatives, such as the local distribution of harvest and Christmas gifts. The Sunday club meets in the school. Learners and parents are aware of, and appreciate, the school’s Christian ethos, the commitment of the staff, and the high quality of education, which is provided.

Relationships between all members of the community are good. Parents speak of the very special ethos, which enables the pupils to flourish in many different areas. They feel pleased that it is a church school and acknowledge the Christian ethos which prevails throughout.

RE is recognised by the governors, the headteacher and the staff, as being of importance in a Christian school. The RE coordinator is enthusiastic about her subject and recognises the significant contribution it makes to learners spiritual and moral learning. Pupils enjoy the subject and the older children acknowledge its relevance in their own lives.

The school self-evaluation is good and involves all stakeholders. The headteacher and staff are clear about the improvements which are needed and the School Improvement Plan identifies both the development of RE and the building of an even closer relationship with the church.