SIAMS
All Church Schools in England receive a SIAMS inspection (these generally occur between every 4-8 years).
What is a SIAMS inspection?
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 explores ways in which each school’s theologically rooted Christian vision drives its work and enables the school to live up to its foundation as a Church school. It does so by seeking to answer six Inspection Questions (IQs).
IQ1: How does the school’s theologically rooted Christian vision enable pupils and adults to flourish?
IQ2: How does the curriculum reflect the school’s theologically rooted Christian vision?
IQ3: How is collective worship enabling pupils and adults to flourish spiritually?
IQ4: How does the school’s theologically rooted Christian vision create a culture in which pupils and adults are treated well?
IQ5: How does the school’s theologically rooted Christian vision create an active culture of justice and responsibility?
IQ6: Is the religious education curriculum effective (with reference to the expectations set out in the Church of England’s Statement of Entitlement for Religious Education)?
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.
Our most recent SIAMS inspection was in July 2017: we were graded Outstanding. A copy of our report can be found below. Subsequent SIAMS inspections will not be graded but provide a commentary on strengths and areas for development.
| 'The school is a welcoming, inclusive oasis of peace and friendship for all families of any faith or none, where all are inspired by its gospel-centred ethos and nurtured by its Christian care.' SIAMS 2017 |
| 'The importance placed on faith is respectful in its approach to developing pupils’ spirituality, embracing the beliefs of the local community, particularly Christianity and also Islam.' SIAMS 2017 |
| 'High achievement and accelerated pupil academic progress are underpinned by the school’s emphasis on stimulating learning experiences throughout the school that motivate all in striving to achieve their best.' SIAMS 2017 |
| 'The impact of collective worship is greatly enhanced by the beneficial links made to biblical teachings that support the school’s Christian values and their consistent application within the pupils’ daily lives.' SIAMS 2017 |
