Shaftesbury Primary School praised in SIAMS inspection

The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) explores the ways that each school’s theologially rooted Christian vision drives its work, enabling the school to carry out as a Church School.

The inspector who carried the report said “Leaders and staff in the school know their community well, They have used this knowledge to develop a vidion that speaks clearly to the challenges and joys pupils and staff face.

“They have crafted a curriculum that weaves academic and spiritual, flourishing through every subject,” they added.

The report goes on to say that strong relationships with within the school ‘build the aspiration of pupils through a culture of friendship and respect.’

The report highlights the school’s use of IT saying that ‘collective worship makes innovative use of computer technology and is collaboratively designed.’ The report statetes that the IT is ‘central to the life of the school and encourages spiritual growth in pupils and staff.’

Headteacher Paul Lavis said: “We are proud to be a church school and this report highlights all the fantastic work staff do every day. Children live out our school vision of ready, safe, loved and inspired rooted in Hebrews 10:24-25 ‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

The report highlighted support from the Sherborne Area Schools Trust (SAST) as another strength saying the Trust ‘supports the individuality of each school and so allows Shaftesbury CE Primary to flourish in its own community.

The report went on to say that the Trust’s vision has a ‘clear focus on developing aspiration’ and that staff from the Trust ‘ensure the vision of the school is having a positive impact.’

SAST CEO Brian Hooper added: “We are delighted with this report from Shaftesbury Primary. Paul, Kelly Fletcher (Head of School), and the team at the school value and respect every child, and their strong Christian vision and ethos ensures all children are able to flourish.”