School News 19 September 2024
SIAMS report praises our strong Christian vision
Sherborne Abbey Primary School’s Christian vision has been highly praised following a recent SIAMS inspection. Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” is the basis for their Christian vision, and it sits at the forefront of decision making and actions within the school.
The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report says “the Christian vision inspires adults and pupils to seize the daily opportunities that are provided” and the “way that the Christian vision has been refreshed ensures it meaningfully addresses the needs of the school community.”
It goes on to say that “Pupils are polite, courteous and thoughtful” and that “the recent change in language from behaviour to relationships, reflects the importance of positive interactions in the school”. SAST was also praised by inspectors, who said “The vision of the trust and school closely align, generating a powerful shared drive to ensure adults and pupils thrive. Leaders embrace the training opportunities offered by SAST and the diocese, and work with determination to develop the school as a Church school”.
The school proudly sits at the heart of the community and embraces the wider role it has to play. The report recognised this “As a practical outworking of the vision, the school acts as a community hub. It hosts meetings with social care, health and education as well as providing a community supermarket and foodbank. Through these effective partnerships between the school and local providers, pupils and families can access additional assistance when required.”
It is not just pupils who are benefiting from the school’s strong Christian ethos, staff are too, with inspectors highlighting “Teamwork in the school is strong and staff feel valued and valuable. They are given the opportunity to grow in their roles through professional development and training. Reflecting the Christian vision and the value of compassion, all members of the school community are treated well.”
Executive Headteacher Ian Bartle said “Sherborne Abbey Primary School is incredibly proud of our Christian School status and upholding our values, which are very dear to us all. It is through the amazing work of our dedicated staff team, relationships with our supportive parents and carers, links with our Trust, and our wonderful children, that we could make this happen”.
Sarah Willoughby, who leads SAST’s Church Schools Flourishing Programme said “This SIAMS report pays testament to the hard work and dedication of not only the school’s leadership team, but also the entire school community who have come together and proudly shared what makes a strong Church School.”
