What is a SIAMS report? The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) evaluates the impact of a church school's mission and vision on all members of its community. It considers its reach within the context of education, leadership, spirituality, culture and responsibility. It’s similar to OFSTED and inspectors engage with everyone, including our children, staff, governors, subject leaders, senior leaders, parents and clergy.

What did the report say? For us at South Wilford, the report has recognised our provision of educational excellence, alongside other important values such as leadership, sense of community and spiritual growth. Reflecting the school’s motto, one of the most notable strengths states that ‘the school’s Christian vision to ‘Spark the flame and light up the world’ is transformational, underpinning school life’.

Natalie Aldridge, Head Teacher, said: “I was delighted that the SIAMS inspectors could see how the vision of the school is 'transformational' – that’s a word we love to read in relation to our culture. It was also rewarding to see that our focus on leadership was recognised through our children being encouraged to have a voice and embrace a broad range of leadership roles. This is important to us as we nurture the spiritual growth of our children. 'Sparking the flame' and showing them how they can ‘be a light' for others is a very important part of who we are as a school community.”

Our hard work and caring nature were mentioned throughout: “South Wilford lives out its inspiring Christian vision which is at the heart of its community. Leaders ensure that the vision shapes decisions, creating a school that is inclusive, welcoming and ambitious for pupils and adults. Staff work together with dedication and care, ensuring that learning is engaging and purposeful. Vision driven values of love, respect, curiosity and bravery mean that pupils thrive.”

Commenting on the school’s culture, the report noted “This ethos of love, kindness and forgiveness supports well-being in the school community. Parents and carers praise the school’s supportive and collaborative approach, recognising its positive impact on pupils’ development, enabling families to feel connected and included. Through its vision, the school community is enabled to live well together with dignity, value and joy.”

Mrs Aldridge concluded: “We have always fostered a strong sense of belonging to ensure children love coming to school. The warm and positive relationships between staff and children have been the driving force behind this success and it is something that is noticed by many visitors to the school.”

The report praised South Wilford’s innovative approach to teaching: It specifically highlighted a project that focused on the ethics around fashion and the choices we make. The children were encouraged to support a charity that upcycles clothes for vulnerable people, bringing in additional themes of justice and compassion. Other examples of successful engagement could be seen through having a coffee cart at the school gates to encourage conversation and connection, a collectively written school prayer, and the developing relationships with other faith schools within Transform Trust through joint ventures and visits.

Rebecca Meredith, CEO of Transform Trust, commented: “This is incredibly heartening and I am beyond proud that the hard work of the staff team has been recognised and that the inspectors could see the powerful impact on the children day to day.”

Notable strengths – taken from the SIAMS report:

• The school’s Christian vision to ‘Spark the flame and light up the world’ is transformational, underpinning school life
• Partnerships between the school, the church and the Transform Trust are exceptionally strong. These partnerships, including after school worship and staff development opportunities, support the flourishing of both pupils and adults
• Inspired to ‘be curious’, leaders have fostered and adapted an engaging and creative curriculum. This empowers pupils to learn and deepen their understanding of the world around them
• There is an active culture of justice and responsibility at South Wilford. Pupils are given a powerful voice and embrace a broad range of leadership roles enabling them to become effective members of the community
• Collective worship is carefully planned and developed so pupils play a significant role. The ‘Faithful Friends’ promote spiritual growth for the school community

Some comments from South Wilford children:

Paige: “Sparking the flame and lighting up the world means that I am going to try and make a difference when I am older.”

Lizzie: “I want to go out and tell everyone about Jesus and use our values to respect others and be curious and brave.”

Joseph: “Following in Jesus' footsteps and living my life the way he did is important to me.”