“…families feel secure and valued by the school community…For many parents the school shines for them like a beacon in the community.”
St Philip’s Church of England Primary Academy, is celebrating a highly successful SIAMS inspection outcome this month. It’s a school where “Inspired by the vision, leaders ensure that the learning and other opportunities for pupils are responsive to their needs,”
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.
This shining report for St Philip’s follows the academy’s strongly “Good” OFSTED Inspection in June 2023, highlighting their consistency in maintaining provision, standards and outcomes for all.
The January SIAMS inspection report endorsed the academy’s distinctively Christian ethos, vision and values. It highlighted that ‘The Christian vision is underpinned by the school’s clear set of values and principles, ‘Pupils and adults are nurtured in a loving community and are able to flourish as a result. It binds the community in a singularity of purpose that supports adults and pupils to thrive.”
In a school which serves children of different world faith and religions, the report notes that St Philip’s has a “culture of dignity, integrity and respect.” and the strong vision and values which are shared by all gives way to courageous advocacy and ‘empowers this generous community to act on behalf of others.’
Religious Education provision was praised in the report, finding that “The subject is extremely well led, and the quality of the teaching is very strong. Pupils progress well because of the engaging and creative teaching strategies. Assessment processes are effective, and pupils’ progress is monitored and tracked robustly.”
Discussions with pupils, staff, parents and leaders identified Collective Worship as a cherished part of the day, purposefully engaged in by pupils and staff and which, the report stated, “has a profound impact on the personal and spiritual life of each member of the school community.”
Importantly, the inspection identified the impact that St Philip’s has on preparing their pupils for the future, whether it be the next stage in their education, the world of work or beyond. The academy is a place where “all are encouraged in their sporting, creative and spiritual flourishing through the range of additional clubs and activities. [The academy’s] values are actively integrated into the school’s ethos, shaping the curriculum and preparing pupils to be global citizens.”
Headteacher Michelle Hargreaves said staff and students were incredibly proud of the result:
“Our team is extremely dedicated, often going above and beyond to support our pupils and families; it is fantastic that our SIAMs inspection reflects that. Also, it was truly heart-warming to hear feedback from the inspector that all stakeholders feel a part of our family – which is exactly what we aim for here at St Philip’s, as we are working together with hope in our hearts.
Often, we can get lost in the daily routines and forget how important our actions can be. This inspection has helped us collectively to realise that what we see as ‘just our job’ and very ordinary, outsiders looking in see as ‘extraordinary.’
We continue to fulfil our mission as a church school; to effectively serve our local community and allow our pupils and staff to flourish.
Chair of Governors, The Revd Canon Denise Poole added:
Enabling all children to flourish and be fulfilled is at the heart of our Christian vision for the school and our community. We are delighted that this is reflected in the report. We are proud of our happy, diverse and vibrant community and are grateful to staff, parents and pupils who all contribute to the evident effectiveness of our church school.
Carol Dewhurst OBE, Chief Executive of BDAT, added:
Fabulous to see St Philip’s living up to its foundation as Church School in a way which is appropriate and supportive and appropriate for their families, students and local community. St Philips is a fabulous little school located in the heart of the community which tirelessly puts student and family wellbeing at the heart of everything it does while still maintaining a focus on delivering a quality education experience. Well done to all the staff and governors who drive this work day in and day out”
The SIAMS report is available to read in full on the school’s website: https://stphilipsceacademy.secure-primarysite.net/ofstedsiams-reports/