An exceptional culture exists where adults care and look out for every child (Ofsted May 22) 

At Aston Rowant School, inclusion and Christian faith go hand in hand. As a Church of England school, we are distinctively Christian and intentionally inclusive, welcoming children and families of all faiths and none. 

Our belief is simple: everyone belongs, everyone is valued, and everyone is supported to flourish. 

Welcoming Families of All Faiths and None 

From their beginnings, Church of England schools were established to serve the whole community. In 1811, the Church of England set out to provide education for the children of every parish - not only Christian children, but all children, particularly those most in need. 

That founding principle remains true today. Church schools are: 

• Rooted in Christian faith 
• Open and welcoming to all 

At Aston Rowant, we honour our Christian foundations while embracing the diversity of our school community. We believe that being a Church school means: 

• Holding faith confidently 
• Welcoming difference generously 
• Creating a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued 

Christian Distinctiveness and Inclusion 

Christian belief and values underpin the daily life of our school. This ethos is not an “add‑on”, but a lens through which we view teaching, learning, relationships, and decision‑making. 

Our vision is rooted in Jesus’s promise of “life in all its fullness”, reflected in our strapline: 

Growing together, rooted in God, enjoying fullness of life (Colossians 2:1–7) 

Our leadership team is committed to ensuring this theologically rooted vision empowers children, supports inclusion, and provides a model for how we live together as a community. 

Collective Worship: Inclusive, Invitational, Inspiring 

In all schools, assemblies are a legal requirement. In Church schools, this time takes the form of Collective Worship, which is distinctively Christian in content while remaining invitational and inclusive. 

At Aston Rowant: 

• Collective Worship brings the school community together for prayer, reflection, stories, and songs 
• It is designed to be accessible to children of all faiths and none 
• Participation is encouraged but never forced 
• Worship builds relationships with families, the local church, and the wider community 

Worship is a shared space where everyone can pause, reflect, listen, and think deeply about values, life, and meaning. 

Religious Education (RE): Inclusive and Academically Rigorous 

Religious Education is a compulsory subject in all state‑funded schools. As a Church school, we follow the National Statement of Entitlement for RE, which states that: 

• Christianity should make up around two thirds of the RE curriculum 
• Other world faiths and non‑religious worldviews must also be taught 

At Aston Rowant, RE supports children of all faiths and none by being: 

• Inclusive – teaching about Christianity alongside other faiths and worldviews 
• Academically rigorous – developing knowledge, vocabulary, reasoning, and respectful discussion 
• Reflective – giving pupils time to consider their own beliefs and values 
• Empowering – helping children make informed choices about belief and non‑belief 

Our RE Enrichment Week enhances this provision, allowing children time to explore belief, faith, and meaning in deeper and more creative ways. 

Respect, Understanding and British Values 

Inclusion at Aston Rowant is deeply connected to our promotion of British Values, which are lived out every day across school life. 

These include: 

• Democracy 
• The rule of law 
• Individual liberty 
• Mutual respect 
• Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs 

Through PSHE, Collective Worship, RE, and daily interactions, pupils learn to: 

• Listen to different viewpoints 
• Show respect and empathy 
• Understand their rights and responsibilities 
• Celebrate diversity 

British Values are not treated as a checklist, but as a shared commitment embedded in school culture. 

A Culture of Safety, Care and Belonging 

Inclusion at Aston Rowant is underpinned by strong safeguarding practice and a deep culture of care. 

• Adults know children well and look out for one another 
• Safeguarding is threaded through every aspect of school life 
• Leaders and governors take a meticulous approach to safety, including risk‑assessing the school’s unique site 
• Children report feeling safe, secure, and supported 

As noted in inspection and safeguarding reviews, Aston Rowant is a school where children feel safe, known, and valued. 

A Daily Commitment 

Inclusion in a Church school is not a single lesson, policy, or themed week. It is a daily commitment, reflected in: 

• Relationships 
• Language 
• Curriculum choices 
• Leadership decisions 
• Support for individuals and families 

At Aston Rowant School, our Christian faith inspires us to care deeply, act justly, and love generously - ensuring that every child can grow, belong, and flourish.