St Oswald’s Church of England Primary Academy, a member of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, are proudly celebrating the success of their recent SIAMS inspection which praised the school’s strong sense of vision and culture and high expectations for all pupils. The assessment follows a visit to the school who’s ‘Christian vision ensures the curriculum remains broad, ambitious and inclusive and that it is carefully designed to reflect the school’s diverse context.’
As part of the assessment, the inspector spoke to children, parents and staff who all shared that St Oswald’s is a school where Christian vision is central to its identity and shapes the culture, relationships and priorities of the community. It goes on to describe how clearly articulated Christian values of hope, perseverance, community and service, underpin the vision and guide daily practice.
The school is led by Miss Gillian Wilson, Headteacher, who leads a dedicated staffing team focussed on improving outcomes and ensuring all pupils flourish both personally and academically through removing barriers. This has led to improvements in pupil outcomes over the past two years with further gains expected this year.
The March SIAMS report endorsed the vision and leadership of the school as well as its core Christian values. It highlighted that ‘The vision reflects a belief that every individual is known and cherished. Kindness, respect and care are evident across the school community. Parents rightly and passionately speak of a positive impact the school has on their families. The report also mentions that ‘pupils deemed to be vulnerable receive strong support through adaptive teaching and targeted interventions.’
The report included praise for the school’s Christian vision ‘Pupils and staff readily attend worship. They feel included regardless of their personal faith or beliefs. Parents and carers are warmly welcomed into school and church for worship with their children.‘
Religious education was also praised in the report, finding that ‘the curriculum is carefully sequenced to build on prior learning. It deepens pupils’ knowledge of themes, beliefs and ethical perspectives year on year….. ‘As a result, the curriculum remains challenging, relevant and diverse…’
Importantly, the inspection identified the impact that the vision and culture of St Oswald’s has on relationships across school, stating ‘Leaders at St Oswald’s prioritise adults flourishing, enabling staff and parents to support pupils effectively. Clear policies, including inclusive relationships education and interpreter support, promote equitable participation across the school community …. As a result, pupils and adults flourish within a supportive, inclusive and distinctively Christian learning environment.’
Gillian Wilson, Headteacher at St Oswald’s C of E Primary Academy, said:
“We are absolutely delighted for our school community. Everybody works so hard and have contributed to make our school such a welcoming and supportive school for nurturing our pupils and families. Well done to all the staff and governors who put pupils and families first on a daily basis.
Carol Dewhurst OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, added:
“This latest inspection at St Oswald’s celebrates a school with both high aspirations and a deep sense of caring for both the staff and students in the school. The report perfectly reflects the feeling you get when you walk through the doors of the academy – a school where love, kindness, respect and care go hand in hand with making sure children achieve and flourish”
Please click here to read the full report.