Questionnaire Feedback | Kildwick CE Primary School

Parental Questionnaire on Collective Worship

Feedback 2019

1. Why did you choose Kildwick CE School for your child/children?

Our eldest child went to Woodside Nursery, made good friends and we wanted a smooth transition from nursery to reception. We also felt the religious values were important too. Logistically it was also a good position for drop off/pick up after work.
Links with the Church and Christian values were important to us a family. Sibling previously attended the school. Good standard of teaching. Friendships were formed as attended local nursery.
We wanted the best for our son even though it wasn’t the nearest school to where we live. And the Christian beliefs that run through the school and its principles.
It was a nice small village school, local to us with an outstanding Ofsted rating. Also the religious aspect was appealing.
The size was my main reason with my daughter being so shy. I had heard goods things about the school too.
Many factors; small village school, traditional values, religious reasons, school ethos, Ofsted report.
Reputation, size and Christian school.
Christian ethos and values, size of school, approach to religion/faith, location.
Mainly because of transition from nursery in Farnhill and size of school, but do appreciate the link with the church and the values associated with being a Church of England school.
Lived in Farnhill, school has a good reputation.
We live in the village. It is a small, friendly school. It is nice the children have friends in the village. It is a faith school and as such takes part in the church calendar and events and visa versa.
Because it has a good reputation. I liked the feel of the school when we first looked round.
My husband is a teacher and keeps an eye on all schools in the area. Kildwick stood out from the beginning as a school we wanted our children to attend. We heard amazing reports about the staff and the approach to teaching. Ofsted report also helped.
The great atmosphere at the open evening and how my child responded when being shown around. Wonderful reputation locally and that it was a church school. I wanted my child to know Christian values.
It was a small faith school that we felt could meet our child’s health needs at the time. It had a before and after school club. It seemed friendly and the children we met before starting all seemed happy and polite.
Prior to my son starting I had heard all about Kildwick’s success with with Yr6 SATs. Also a huge selling point for me was the before and after school club that Babs and Graham ran at the time. We really needed this. Also liked the fact that it was a small church school – very similar to the one I attended as a child.
We live in the village, liked the church family ‘ethos’, liked that there seemed to be high standards of behaviour and a real spirit of friendship/respect amongst the children.

2. What do you think makes Kildwick CE School distinctive?

The small size and family feel within the school. The younger children interact, work and play with the older children. Despite the size always do well at sporting events.
Small school at heart of village, good links with parents and achieve encouragement of parent involvement with the school, links with local church – collective worship etc.
The Christian ethos of the school, its acceptance of all faiths, how you teach and prepare children for the future.
They do a lot of little things you don’t tend to find at other schools such as mothers/fathers day lunch and buddy trip.
The size, the way we all know each other and community spirit within.
How teachers and pupils alike all seem to take the time to get to know one another, even if it is just a name. The feeling of community is ever present.
The intimacy and the feeling that everyone wants the best for the pupils/children.
Behaviour, respect, Christian values/approaches.
Size, location, village connections, church connections.
Small class numbers, after/before school club.
Faith school – small, historic, friendly. I really appreciate the school culture of warmth and kindness. I appreciate the school being part of the church and the church being part of school life.
Its visions – values. The commitment to the Christian ethos.
The fact that it’s a small school with not many pupils in each class I believe is what makes the school distinctive. There is a real family feel around the school and all of the staff are amazing and genuinely want the best for your children. The one on one attention the kids get is also invaluable.
The staff, strong links to the church, class sizes, PTA and school activities i.e., school fair etc.
Small school with strong community spirit.
Still those things – 7 years later! The family spirit and way that kids support/encourage one another is just awesome. The church/Christian links and ethos has grown and developed lots too.

3. How do you think this school is different from a non-church primary school?

The assembly in church and services/plays/events that take place in the church. The values, respect and behaviours instilled within school.
Attend collective worship regularly in school. Teach Christian values within school.
Yes some schools focus on school and not a holistic approach and have a varied teaching outside the curriculum. The children need life lessons and trips out of school reaffirm this. Some schools don’t have a varied or broad curriculum.
They are connected to the local church, have collective worship and personally I like the children are taught about god.
There are obvious things such as a nativity in church (which I know in some schools don’t even happen), but to have the added gentle discipline that being in a place of worship offers is in my opinion priceless.
It introduces children to the power of spirituality and teaches the core values of being a kind human.
Not had experience to compare. On first impressions I guess the monthly collective worship in church is the obvious difference and the strong values.
I would imagine although I do not know specifically. The girls went to St Stephen’s which is also a faith school.
More emphasis on teaching about god and worshipping in church.
I think the values are slightly different from a non-church primary school. The family ‘all together’ feel is also very different and the school includes everyone in everything that it does.
Strong morale values are taught early on. Christianity and the bible are part of the children’s everyday.
It has collective worship/church services and other links to the church.
Church links obviously and many events held in church.
Songs they learn, refs to bible teaching and heritage, prayer/worship areas around school, links with the local church and church projects (eg Jigsaw Ministry), explicit Christian teaching re love for God and each other.

4. How would you describe the ethos of the school?

Working hard, playing hard.
Good school ethos.
Children enjoying school growing up, letting the children feel part of the school, this underpins the school vision for the future.
To try and aid the development of all children both socially and academically so that when they leave they’re in the best place for their future development.
Caring, supportive, friendly, encouraging, patient, community spirit.
Work hard, be kind, have fun.
Respecting others, respecting differences.
To be welcoming, friendly and family orientated.
To teach pupils good values and to respect and be kind to others.
Tolerance, forgiveness, open, compassionate, warm, friendly.
Very high standards are expected and clearly set out and communicated. Christian values are promoted and children are encouraged to always follow them and do the right thing.
The ethos of the school is extremely committed to its core values. Friendship is extremely important, with all ages and backgrounds encouraged to come together. Being kind is also very important. I think Kildwick ensures our children are extremely well rounded individuals.
Small caring. One big school. I feel we are all part of the school no matter your children, ages or how many children you have, friendly and welcoming.
In the main community spirit.
I do like the new habits introduced very recently.
As previously mentioned, Christian/family ethos.

5. Does your child talk to you about Collective Worship in school or church?

Occasionally, but usually only if I ask them about it.
Not usually, unless I really ask him.
Occasionally. They often sing songs they’ve learnt at collective worship at home.
Yes and she enjoys it very much. It often gives her new ideas and questions about the world.
Not really. I ask questions if they have been in a collective worship but they don’t normally volunteer information, unless they have received an award.
Sometimes.
They will tell me they have attended collective worship. My youngest enjoyed RE and reads Bible stories at home prompted by CW or RE.
Not really, they just accept it as part of school
Yes from time to time (usually if something different or funny has happen
Yes – they will mention if they have been. I think they also love to see me there when it is on and if they take part in anything. I always feel many other schools/parents are missing out on something rather special.
No, not really – but then my daughter doesn’t talk about anything!
Yes she enjoys going to church and looks forward to her mum coming to watch.
A place of sanctuary. A place to go to think about God and holy spirits. Collective Worship is a time where we share our things we have done through the week [child’s words].
Sometimes, collective worship in church generally attended by parent.

6. Do you attend the school church service? If so, what do you feel the strengths are?

Yes. Like the messages which come through, the interaction with the children, how children learn to sit in a quiet peaceful place of worship with respect. The awards per year group.
Yes, all school gather together, learning about different aspects of religion – focused learning.
Sometimes weddings and school and sometimes I go into reflect and think if needed to.
Yes it is a chance to bring the whole school and parents together.
Yes – that the parents can feel part of the child’s school day.
Always – never missed one. Personally I always feel it’s a calming and safe place to be, helps with having a break from the stress of the day. As above, to be able to see (a mini assembly) almost and be able to join in is invaluable.
Yes, it is great to be part of your child’s school journey. It is also important parents, the church and school are united.
Yes. Way it (religion) is put to the children – at times very encouraging. Helps them to see things from a different perspective.
Yes as much as possible. Hearing the children read, sing and an opportunity to witness the weekly award.
Yes when we are due to work commitments. Brings everyone together.
Yes. That they are delivered in a way that is understandable for all ages. That it is light and non-threatening.
I always attend as I feel it is a very important part of the school and nice for parents to be involved. Feel it is more interesting and encouraging with Reverend Julie and Mrs Morris.
Unfortunately I am unable to attend church services due to work commitments.
Yes, I love the way the whole school comes together. The children love to see their parents/grandparents attending.
Most of the time. Encouraging the children to take part and increasing their confidence. Bringing the wider school/church community together. The vicar is very friendly and engaging.
When I can I catch the last 10 mins (work commitments). I really like how comfortable the children feel in church.
Not any more – I work on Fridays. But have done in the past. Strengthens links to that amazing building – children feel they ‘belong’ there. Hard at moment as no permanent vicar, maybe?

7 Do you have any further suggestions/comments you would like to make about Collective Worship or RE in school?

I think it’s great – just wish there was a continuation of the same at secondary school.
Love the awards even when it doesn’t involve my child. Just wish the teachers that present them would be a bit more upbeat and happy about them like they were in the past. More enthusiasm needed.
Children acting out scenes from the Bible messages to make them understandable.
Perhaps have a fundraiser for the church’s technical equipment! Unfortunately always seems to be a hiccup!
More interactive days and more collective worships!
Miss the amount there was when my eldest started. Think it has seen a decline and maybe that’s due to newer parents just being unaware of it. Such a shame as it’s a really lovely extra to be part of.
No.
I think more collective worship more often. RE is a must in school and it reaffirms the school vision.
No.
Use of microphone really important.