SIAMS
At Leigh St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, we proudly embrace our Christian ethos as the guiding force behind our educational journey.
Our Christian Vision
Leigh St Mary’s is an inclusive, welcoming Christian school where children and adults are spiritually nurtured in a safe, caring environment. All are encouraged to explore faith and develop their understanding of God and of their place in God’s world. Rooted in faith, growing in love.
SIAMS Excellence
We are proud and delighted to share the outstanding results of our Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) conducted on 29 November 2018.
Leigh St Mary’s achieved a grade of ‘Excellent’ across all areas, a testament to our unwavering commitment to a distinctive Christian character.
‘The Christian vision permeates every aspect of the school’s daily life.’ SIAMS report 2018
The SIAMS Inspection
SIAMS, a process devised by the National Society, standardises inspection practices for Church of England and Methodist Schools. It aligns with the Education Act 2005, focusing on the distinctiveness and effectiveness of a school as a Church of England institution. Each SIAMS/S48 inspection considers four key questions.
Key Questions from SIAMS
- How well does the school, through its distinctive character, meet the needs of all learners?
- What is the impact of collective worship on the school community?
- How effective is the religious education?
- How effective are the leadership and management of the school as a church school?
Meeting the Needs of All Learners
Our holistic approach to child development ensures that pupils flourish, believe in themselves, and strive for excellence. Leigh St Mary’s is committed to meeting the diverse needs of every learner.
“The school’s Christian vision permeates every aspect of the school’s daily life. This holistic approach ensures that pupils are not just educated academically but also spiritually nurtured, allowing them to flourish and believe in themselves.”
We take pride in providing a safe, caring environment where all children, regardless of their background, find a place to grow and thrive.
Our school’s distinctive Christian character is further enriched by strong links with the parish church and external agencies which contribute significantly to pupils’ spiritual development.
‘Extremely strong and mutually beneficial links with the parish church make a significant contribution to the school’s distinctive Christian character and to pupils’ spiritual development.’
Impact of Collective Worship
Our daily collective worship is more than a routine; it’s a transformative experience for our school community. The SIAMS report reflects this impact:
“Invitational and inspirational collective worship lies at the heart of daily life. As a result, it provides opportunities for pupils and adults to explore faith and spirituality and unites the school community.”
Our inclusive and invitational approach ensures that collective worship reflects our Christian vision and values, fostering a sense of unity among pupils and adults alike.
Leadership and Management as a Church School
Effective leadership and management are crucial in realising our vision as a Church of England school. The SIAMS report recognises:
“Senior leaders are secure in their knowledge of current thinking in Church school education and all staff take advantage of opportunities to develop their professional and leadership skills.”
Our governing body actively engages with the school’s daily life, providing rigorous monitoring and evaluation, ensuring the alignment of leadership with our Christian ethos.
“Committed governors whose experience and skills enable them to fulfil their strategic role effectively.”
As a school we also recognise the leadership potential in our pupils. The report also acknowledges:
“The school’s Christian ethos provides an extremely safe and supportive environment in which [pupils] can progress and grow in confidence. Pupils have opportunities to grow through leadership roles, taking these responsibilities extremely seriously.”
Our pupils actively participate in leadership roles, contributing to the school’s Christian vision and values. This engagement supports a sense of responsibility and empowers pupils to embody the principles of thoughtfulness, kindness, and forgiveness in their daily interactions.
We take great pride in the unique and exceptional educational experience provided by Leigh St Mary’s C of E, shaped by our unwavering commitment to our Christian Vision.
Please access the SIAMS Report for further details.
Effectiveness of Religious Education
RE is an integral part of our curriculum, aiming to inspire and encourage open discussions. The SIAMS report notes:
“Inspirational RE encourages all pupils to explore and discuss religious, spiritual and world views in a safe and encouraging environment.”
‘…pupils understand the importance of prayer in the lives of people of all faiths and they are able to worship together in a very natural way.’
We are dedicated to creating an environment where pupils not only gain knowledge but also develop a deep understanding of diverse perspectives, fostering tolerance and respect.
