“The school’s Christian vision is woven through every aspect of this highly inclusive and nurturing school.”
Wycliffe Church of England Primary School whose “vision and associated Christian values are lived out empowering pupils to lead and support in all aspects of school life” is celebrating a highly successful Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) outcome, following an inspection visit last month.
SIAMS inspections are the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools and explore ways in which the school’s theologically rooted Christian vision drives its work and enables the school to live up to its foundation as a church school.
The latest glowing report for Wycliffe comes hot on the heels of the schools strongly “Good” OFSTED Inspection in April, highlighting the remarkably positive journey the school has been on since joining the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT) family in 2018.
In the October SIAMS inspection report, Inspectors praised the school’s distinctively Christian ethos, vision and character is, highlighting that, “The Christian vision is the driving force for policy and strategy, permeating through all areas of school life.”
The report also describes how Wycliffe has an “inclusive culture in which pupils and adults are treated well.” Poignantly the report also explains how “Adults rightly say that the school is a special gift to its community.”
The prominent position of RE provision was also praised in the report as “supporting pupils to live life in all its fullness,” and as ” reflect(ing) the vision by promoting understanding and respect for diversity”. Leaders were praised for being “determined that a rich learning experience, shaped by the Christian vision, is accessible to all.”
Collective worship was described as being inclusive and inspirational and for uniting the school community together, enabling pupils and adults to spiritually flourish. The report said “The structure developed by leaders and pupils, includes time for stillness and reflection with opportunities to respond in prayer. These moments are regarded as precious by pupils and adults, giving time for spiritual growth.”
Importantly inspectors were impressed with how school met the needs of pupils pastorally. Inspectors saw a, “commitment to life in all its fullness is evident in leaders’ decisions to prioritise support for pastoral care and nurture.” They witnessed a culture where, “Adults ensure that all pupils, irrespective of background or special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND), are fully included in all aspects of school life.” and commented that, “systems and policies, underpinned by the Christian vision, help to identify pupils and families in need.”
Headteacher Denise Baxter said staff and students were incredibly proud of the result:
“We are a dedicated, hardworking family and to have our work celebrated so positively and publicly is a tribute to all involved. Wycliffe staff are part of a wider team of stakeholders, families, our Trust, experts from the diocese and our Governing Body. As a result of being in that family support network we have the capacity to lead all policies and practice from the Vison that is at the root of all we plan.
As a team, we set out to make sure Wycliffe families knew that this school was theirs. To read that: “Pupils, staff and parents appreciate that their opinions, even when they differ, are valued, respected and acted upon” and that “Parents and staff say that they are all ‘part of a family’ providing mutual care and support for one another” means we are living our Vision.
All church schools are a gift to the community in which they serve; this report says – what we at Wycliffe already knew – that we do this very well.”
Chair of Governors, Jason Preston added:
“How lovely that all the critical elements of R.E, Collective Worship, pastoral work and leadership shine through this report. The flourishing of all is a credit to the dedication of staff and the natural curiosity of our children. Moving forward, we shall continue to drive Wycliffe forward with our Vison at the fore in all we aim to achieve.”
Carol Dewhurst OBE, Chief Executive of BDAT, added:
“This latest SIAMS report, coupled with the OFSTED inspection findings earlier this year, paint the picture of a happy, vibrant school which puts student wellbeing and education at the very heart of all they do. Thank you to all the staff, parents and students who have joined us on the Wycliffe journey. This report is a testament to your hard work and collegiality.
The SIAMS report is available to read in full on the school’s website: SIAMS-report-Wycliffe-Church-of-England-Primary-School-146512-181023.pdf (wycliffeprimary.org)