We are delighted to be able to share with you our latest SIAMS report.
The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) is the Church of England and Methodist Church’s outworking of the requirements of section 48 of the Education Act 2005. It is a key element of the life of all Church of England and Methodist schools in England.
SIAMS inspection focuses on the impact of the Church school’s Christian vision on pupils and adults. This involves looking at the school’s Christian vision, the provision the school makes because of this vision and how effective this provision is in enabling all pupils to flourish. Church schools will employ a variety of strategies and styles appropriate to, and reflective of, their particular context in order to be distinctively and effectively Christian in their character and ethos. SIAMS inspectors therefore do not look for a set template of what a Church school should be like, but rather take the particular context of the school into account and base their evaluation on the outcomes rather than the process.
The new SIAMS Inspection Framework 2023, requires inspectors make one of two judgements:
The inspection findings indicate that the school is living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish.
Or
The inspection findings indicate that the school has strengths, but that there are also issues that leaders need to address as a matter of priority.
The SIAMS Inspection on 20th March 2024 reported that “the inspection findings indicate that St Mary’s Church of England Primary School and Nursery is living up to its foundation as a Church school.”
The report shares some particular key strengths:
• Shawbury St Mary’s has an effective vision based on Christian beliefs and values. This supports a united school community that thrives, enabling pupils to grow as learners and individuals.
• Motivated by the vision to encourage a love of learning, the curriculum has been created to inspire pupils. Careful and inclusive planning ensures that they are able to thrive.
• The wellbeing and mental health of pupils and adults is a high priority for leaders. Regular initiatives support the whole community to live well together. This generates pride in belonging to the school.
• A motivational culture of respect in lessons encourages pupils to embrace diversity. This prompts them to become agents of change locally and globally.
• Well supported leadership in religious education (RE) has enabled an effective curriculum to be created. Exploring a range of faiths and worldviews, as well as Christianity, equips pupils to demonstrate respect and tolerance.
