Staff and students at Bluecoat Primary Academy, part of Archway Learning Trust, are celebrating after receiving an “excellent” grade in their Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) Report following their recent inspection.
The report states: “The aspirational and extremely inclusive Christian vision of the school profoundly reflects the context of the community it serves. As a result, the lives of pupils and adults are transformed.
“The deeply embedded celebration of difference and diversity is a golden thread that flows naturally through every aspect of school life. Consequently, individuals are loved as unique children of God and feel extremely valued as part of the ‘Bluecoat family’”.
SIAMS inspections focus on the impact of Church school’s Christian vision on pupils and adults. Inspectors consider one 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?”
Head Teacher at Bluecoat Primary Academy, Mrs Shaw, said: “I am delighted that the inspector recognised the rich opportunities we provide to our pupils, the inclusive nature of the school and the positive impact we’re having on our pupils and wider community.
“For the work we do to be recognised in this way is testament to the dedication and commitment of our colleagues to provide an exceptional educational experience for our pupils.”
The report comments on the celebration of diversity in the school, stating: “The school rejoices in its diversity. An imaginative project enables pupils to create their own stick people to demonstrate the beauty of difference. This results in an exceptionally harmonious school community where all pupils embrace each other as equals.”
Mrs Shaw continued: “I’m so happy that our celebration of diversity has been recognised as it’s so important to us. I love the fact that our school is so diverse – made up of families from different social, cultural and religious backgrounds. We work hard to remove barriers and enable all to strive for life in all its fullness.
“Everything we do is underpinned by our faith. Belief is important to us: we believe in ourselves, in each other and in God.”
Sian Hampton, CEO of Archway Learning Trust, commented: “We are all so pleased to have received such a spectacular report which really recognises the incredible work of the whole team at Bluecoat Primary Academy.
“As a Trust, a Christian ethos underpins and informs all that we do. This report clearly shows how important that is to everyone at the school and I am immensely proud of them.”
Other highlights from the report include:
“A bespoke and responsive personal development programme provides opportunities for pupils to explore topics such as positive mental health and resilience. Consequently, pupils talk passionately about ‘marvellous mistakes’ and how this helps them to ‘believe in themselves’. It also inspires pupils to take on leadership roles, including prefects and school council.”
“The behaviour system, based on forgiveness and justice, is supported by skilful behaviour mentors. Consequently, behaviour is exemplary and pupils learn how to deescalate themselves in heightened situations.”
“The school’s deeply Christian vision underpins innovative practice and permeates out into the local community. It creates a richly inclusive environment where individuals are nurtured to ‘believe’ and ‘strive for life in all its fullness’. Consequently, there is exceptional flourishing for all, especially the most vulnerable, and lives are transformed.”
To view the full report, please visit this link: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/education-and-schools/church-schools-and-academies/siams-inspections/siams-inspection-reports
