Belton school graded ‘outstanding’

NEPB Belton All Saints primary school celebrating outstanding church school report

Staff and pupils at the thriving school went home happy for the half term holidays after a report published about the May inspection findings found little to criticise.

The National Society of Anglican and Methodist Schools Report said: ‘Christian values underpin the school, define its work and are evident in every aspect of its operation.’

The only improvements suggested by inspectors were to ‘develop learners’ understanding of the value of personal prayer and reflection as part of their own spiritual journey’, and to ‘develop opportunities for learners to increase their understanding of other faith communities through links with partnership schools’.

The report added: ‘Children are proud of their school and talk confidently about why it is special to them’, for example, ‘In our school we have a go at things without being afraid that anyone will laugh if you get it wrong.’

This ‘can do’ attitude ensures pupils are happy to come to school and is helping to raise standards for all pupil groups, noted inspectors.

Both the senior leadership team and governors were applauded for involving all stakeholders in the strengthening of the Christian vision of the school and for raising its profile across the school and wider community.

‘The headteacher’s unswerving commitment to this vision is the driving force at the heart of the school’s success and ongoing improvement as a church school’ added the report.

Activities outside the classroom were also seen as good indications of the school’s ethos. Said the report: ‘Older children serve

as role models for younger children in and around school. From an early age the children learn how to value each other and their surroundings. This was demonstrated on the playground at lunchtime when all pupils were observed playing collaboratively.’

Headteacher Sarah Groves said: “We were classed as a good school previously so it is good to know at the end of the day that we are doing the right things.” A cake celebration was held before the holiday.