OFSTED REPORT ON WENLOCK V.A. CHURCH OF ENGLAND JUNIOR SCHOOL, LUTON 

(A brief summary of the denominational and general reports from the inspection 22nd-24th March 2004)

DENOMINATIONAL

“Wenlock Junior School is a good church school. Its mission statement, ‘Learning and growing together within the love of God’, places Christian values at the heart of the school whilst not excluding those pupils who come from other faith backgrounds. The school has a calm, caring and inclusive ethos that meets the needs of the diverse community it serves. There is a strong sense of belonging to a community in which all are valued. These values underpin policy and practice in all areas of school life. There are good links with local churches and clergy.
“The overall spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is good. It is promoted through very good opportunities for pupils to take responsibility to which they respond with growing maturity. Pupils feel safe at school and enjoy good relationships with each other and adults. Spiritual development is promoted very well through collective worship and the overall ethos of the school. Teachers are in sympathy with aims of spiritual development.
“Collective worship is well organised and plays a central part in the life of the school. A reflective atmosphere is created through the use of music, the lighting of candles, the singing and the prayers. There is a strong sense of community as the whole school gathers each day.
“Religious education is taught well and pupils reach standards in line with those expected of the age. They have above average knowledge and understanding of some Christian beliefs, especially the main Christian festivals. They show respect for others’ beliefs and opinions and express themselves with confidence.”

GENERAL

“Wenlock is a sound school where pupils generally make steady progress as a result of satisfactory teaching. It benefits from the effective work of the head teacher who provides a clear sense of direction. The school provides well for the pupils’ personal development, and their attitudes and behaviour are good.
“The quality of education provided is satisfactory. The leadership of the school is good. The management of the school is satisfactory, school governance is satisfactory.” Main improvements are the need to increase the percentage of good teaching and improve assessment procedures.

POSTSCRIPT

The inspectors were themselves inspected by David Bell, HM Chief Inspector of Schools whilst they undertook the inspection of Wenlock!