SIAMS Inspection
SIAMS stands for Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools. This is separate from Ofsted but is no less important and focuses on how our school vision underpins and informs all that we do here at St Matthew's. In many ways, this is more important to us than an Ofsted inspection as this is about who we are and why we do what we do.
The inspection is undertaken by an independent inspector with no connections to the Academy and is carried out against the 7 strands of the SIAMS schedule.
Its focus is on addressing one fundamental question:
"How effective is the school's distinctive Christian vision established and promoted by leadership at all levels, in enabling pupils and adults to flourish?"
We are delighted that under this new and even more rigorous inspection schedule we have been judged to be GOOD overall and that bout our RE and Worship are also GOOD. It is also very pleasing to note that the inspector noticed " a thread of excellence" running through school life in terms of interpersonal relationships at all levels.
These are the key findings:
- School leaders have developed a clear Christian vision, firmly rooting its biblical basis in the unique context of this diverse and vibrant school. It shapes some, but not all, written policies and development plans.
- The aspirational Christian vision drives a whole school culture of high hopes and expectations for all pupils across the curriculum. As a result, all pupils are flourishing. Opportunities for spiritual development are less developed.
- The school’s Christian vision underpins highly supportive personal relationships at all levels. Pupils and adults feel safe to express their thoughts and ideas, leading to a significant impact on wellbeing and self-worth.
- In this multi-faith community, collective worship is invitational and inclusive. It has a notable impact on pupils’ character development. Opportunities for pupils to plan, lead and evaluate worship are in the early stages of development.
- The religious education (RE) curriculum is well planned, enabling all pupils to develop a growing understanding of Christianity and other major world faiths and beliefs.
These are the agreed areas for further development which we are already working on!
- Ensure the school’s Christian vision clearly shapes all written policies and development plans so that leaders at all levels can articulate how it specifically underpins their work.
- Develop a shared understanding of spirituality and use this to plan a range of rich and relevant opportunities for spiritual development across the curriculum.
- Enable pupils to take more responsibility for planning, leading and evaluating worship to deepen their engagement and inspire creativity.
If you wish to know more about our report and our work in this area of our Academy life, please do get in touch with us!
The full report can be read below.