Pytchley Church of England Primary School is part of Peterborough Diocese Education Trust (PDET). This policy for Collective Worship is consistent with the purpose and aims of the school and Peterborough Diocese Education Trust (PDET) as well as the Trust Deed upon which the school was founded.

• ‘To help each individual develop those qualities of mind, body and spirit, feeling and imagination, that will enable them to live a fulfilling life’.
• Religious worship shall be in accordance with the faith and practice of the Church of England

As required by law [Section 6 of the Education Reform Act 1988] all pupils are expected to take part in an act of collective worship each day.

Aims and Objectives

In addition to the aims already stated, at Pytchley CofE Primary School, Collective Worship is at the heart of our life and work. We provide an opportunity for pupils and staff to worship in a traditional Christian style, which is consistent with the beliefs and practices of the Church of England.

Collective Worship

We believe that worship should be:

• Inclusive. Everyone can benefit and contribute, no matter what their personal belief or commitment.
• Appropriate to the age of the children.
• An important learning experience which enriches the life of those people who attend.
• A very special occasion, the purpose of which is to show reverence to God.
• Helpful to participants understanding of and identification with the school’s vision, values and aims, promoting a sense of community.
• In line with the 1988 Education Reform Act, which states that collective worship should be 'wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character', we normally base our assemblies on the teachings of Christ and the traditions of the Christian Church. However, we conduct our assemblies in a manner that is sensitive to the faiths and beliefs of all members of the school. While most acts of worship in our school are Christian, we also hold assemblies that reflect the traditions of other religions that are represented in the school and the wider community.

Organisation of Collective Worship

We hold a daily act of collective worship. This can be either as whole-school collective worship or in individual classes. We conduct collective worship in a dignified and respectful way. Collective worship is a period of calm reflection. We regard it as a special time; we create an appropriate atmosphere by using music or other objects, to focus the attention of the children. We always light a candle to signify the start of worship. We invite the children to participate in prayer, reflection, and songs. We create an appropriate atmosphere by using music and a cross and our school candle that acts as a focal point for the attention of the pupils and those present. Our altar table and classroom reflection areas are always dressed in accordance with the colours of the liturgical seasons. Collective worship is led by the head teacher, members of staff, the children, local guests.

The School Values of compassion, respect, honesty, perseverance, forgiveness, and trust are explored through our times of Collective Worship, and we spend one term in every academic year considering each value. A Bible verse reflecting each value is shared at the start of each term. This verse is then shared by the whole school community during each time of collective worship throughout the term. Each termly focus is then broken down to last for a week. Worship is planned for the whole term in advance, and they are shared with all via the school website. We take the themes of our worship from the traditions of the Christian faith, and we reflect the festivals and events of the Christian calendar. We also use Roots and Fruits Creative Collective Worship Programme as a tool for staff to deliver the Christian Values themes.

All teaching staff are expected to lead whole school worship. As well as school staff, whole school worship will also be taken by children and guests from the local All Saints Church. This brings greater variety to our worship times and strengthens links between the Academy and the local community as well as building the skills of the pupils. Parents / carers are invited to Friday Collective Celebration Worship and other special services, e.g. at Christmas, Easter and the end of the academy year. This promotes the community spirit of the Academy. We welcome governors’ attendance at our Collective Worship at any time.

Other opportunities for prayer and reflection are given throughout the week that include: Wednesday lunchtimes prayer, class lunch time prayer and in classes during class based worship. Worship opportunities are also offered to staff, children and their families as we attend services (e.g. Christingle, Education Sunday and end of year services in Church)

Each act of collective worship begins in a consistent way whether being led by adults or children. This approach allows all children and adults the opportunity to read the school vison and mission statements along with the chosen termly bible verse.

Evaluating the impact of Collective Worship on the School Community

Monitoring the policy and practice of collective worship is the role of the Collective Worship Leader in school and the Section 48 Committee. The monitoring of the quality of worship involves:

• Regular review of the quality of worship through observation, feedback from various stakeholders and review of planning.
• On a termly basis the staff discuss the quality of Collective Worship and suggest ways this could be improved. This feeds into the next term’s planning, where possible.

Right of Withdrawal

Parents can request permission for their child to be excused from religious worship, and the school will make alternative arrangements for the supervision of the child during that part of the assembly. Parents and carers do not have to explain or give reasons for their request. This right of withdrawal complies with the 1944 Education Act and was restated in the 1988 Education Reform Act.

The head teacher keeps a record of all children who have been withdrawn from collective worship.

Monitoring and Review 

This policy will be reviewed accordingly, and amendments suggested to the AGC for approval.