SIAMS (Church of England School Inspection)
(Statutory Inspection of Anglican & Methodist Schools)
Click here to read the full report on our inspection which took place in January 2024.
The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) is a key element of the life of all Church of England schools.
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 key 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)?
IQ7: What is the quality of religious education in voluntary aided and former voluntary aided schools, and in former voluntary controlled schools in which denominational religious education is taught?
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.
SIAMS inspectors 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.
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.
Highlights from our January 2024 inspection report include:
" A culture of love and care ensures that relationships are harmonious. Provision for the most vulnerable pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is effective, enabling them to thrive."
"St Leonard’s brims with the ‘fruit of the Spirit’, because leaders ensure that the Christian vision is lived out well. Recognition of each pupil as an individual valued by God is core to the vision. This builds a love of each other and a love of learning. Adults provide excellent role models of cooperation, showing pupils how people can work well together."
"Learning at St Leonard’s is deeply rooted in the school’s vision and values. The school invests time and care in the youngest children, settling them to feel happy in school. Pupils who need extra help with speech and language or other needs are identified early."
