MISSION STATEMENT JOURNEY

"At St John’s, the school ethos embodies its mission to 'Nurture hearts and inspire minds'. Pupils understand and embrace this mission..." CSI report, 2026

"They thrive in a nurturing, inclusive environment enriched by the school’s visible Catholic identity, expressed through prayer, music, art, liturgy and reflective displays." CSI, 2026

• We intentionally designed sacred spaces like classroom "prayer trees" for intentions 

•  Outdoor areas like the "Camino Walk of Creation" linking CST to stewardship,  

•  Consistently open Chapel. 

• Work with artist Clare Law, to develop projects and displays

"They see themselves as missionary disciples, confidently expressing their faith and living out Catholic social teaching in practical ways..." CSI report, 2026

• All Year 6 children hold a leadership role, with each role anchored in the school mission statement: Nurturing Hearts; Inspiring Minds

• Mini Vinnies lead social outreach and faith-inspired community action, including sending cards to prisoners, fundraising for Francis House, running craft stalls, organising the Big Lent Book Sale, serving at the Parish Lunchtime Cosy Club, and supporting the Christmas Fair

• Creation Crew manages the Peace Garden and prayer trail, donates produce to local charities, and won the Laudato Si Centre Group Award in 2025

• Prayer Leaders plan and lead Celebrations of the Word, set up for Mass, mentor KS1 pupils in leading their own class worship, host Stay and Pray sessions during key liturgical seasons, and monitor classroom prayer spaces

• House Captains lead house group Celebrations of the Word each term, focused on the school value for that half term

• Pupil leaders are empowered to promote justice and peace, and articulate their actions explicitly in terms of Catholic Social Teaching

• All pupil leadership is fully inclusive, with SEND pupils central to the development of the Creation Crew and actively involved across all roles

• Multi-faith weeks bring visitors from other faiths into school and take pupils into the local community to visit places of worship, building genuine understanding and respect for diversity

• Pupils of other faiths are welcomed fully into collective worship and invited to be still and meditative during prayer, before praying in their own way

• Our Spanish exchange programme with Hubert Juanes school in Nigrán is now in its 20th year, framed explicitly as a lived example of hospitality and solidarity and rooted in our identity as members of the universal Church

• Global partnerships of this kind strengthen pupils' understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and their sense of belonging to a faith community that extends beyond the school gates

"The school actively celebrates those from diverse cultures and belief traditions... enabling them to live and pray in fidelity to their own commitments." CSI report, 2026

"Governors and senior leaders... provide strong support for staff, enabling them to flourish professionally and spiritually..." CSI report, 2026

• Weekly after-school staff reflections nurture spiritual growth and ensure that all staff feel supported in their faith journey

• CPD on the RED Framework delivered during INSET, with Year 1 and Year 5 teachers engaging proactively with pilot materials ahead of full implementation

• The RE Lead accesses ongoing diocesan training and works closely with diocesan advisors, cascading learning to the whole staff

• All new staff receive a thorough induction into the school's Catholic identity, charism and mission, ensuring they feel part of the community and confident as witnesses to Christ from the outset

• ECTs access a diocesan induction to ensure RE is delivered confidently and consistently from the start of their careers

• Leaders prioritise the dignity and wellbeing of all staff,

• Visitors consistently comment on the welcoming atmosphere, and pupils, parents and staff describe St John's as a family where everyone belongs

• Rather than a lengthy questionnaire, we asked parents one open question at parents evening: tell us what you like about St John's and what makes it special?

• Pastoral care embedded across the whole staff team

• Vulnerable pupils are prioritised for clubs and enrichment opportunities, not just intervention and support

• We keep a bank of parent letters and comments

• A lunchtime cosy club provides calm, nurturing support for children who find the school day overwhelming

"Staff feel genuinely valued and supported within a Christ-centred culture... [ensuring] Catholic life is consistently lived, celebrated, and experienced." CSI report, 2026

"Leaders and governors monitor and evaluate provision for Catholic life, using clear evidence to inform strategic decision-making..." CSI report, 2026

• CLM is always the first section of the headteacher's report to governors

• CSED linked to School Development Plan

• Governors have an annual review afternoon in which they speak directly with children in every year group, using books as a starting point for discussion,

• The RE subject leader's proactive engagement with the RED Framework pilot placed the school ahead of diocesan expectations, and this progress is monitored and celebrated at governor level