Telford Primary School Celebrates Positive SIAMS Report
The Headteacher at Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Church of England (CE) Primary School, Mrs Mandy Dhaliwal, has expressed her pride having received the report following a recent SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspection.
The SIAMS inspector visited the school on Wednesday 11 December and found that it exudes Christian friendliness, effectively creating an ‘environment of care and belonging’, with pupils ‘lovingly welcomed each day with a smile and a handshake, ensuring individual recognition’.
It was noted that staff regularly invite parents and carers into school to share in their children’s learnings, which means that a ‘supportive and nurturing culture is embedded’.
This culture is set by the excellent staff, who are clearly ‘there for one another’ in both good and difficult times. Inspired by the school’s vision, leaders ensure staff are well-supported both personally and professionally, with opportunities for further development through accredited staff training being encouraged.
The redesigned, broad curriculum was praised for the way it has been reshaped to ‘encompass the heritage’ of the local community, and it now enables pupils to engage in a wide range of learning opportunities which expand their horizons.
In the report, the inspector stated that the school’s leaders are ‘passionate about high quality learning’ and care about all pupils fulfilling their potential. The relevance of the curriculum engages pupils through a range of subjects including, art, music, geography and history, which has led to opportunities to develop their unique talents and skills.
As a result of this, pupils have gained confidence in their abilities and the creative approach to curriculum planning enables pupils who have SEND (Special Educational Needs/Disabilities) to succeed. Personalised support plans further enhance this provision and SEND pupils are sensitively supported in all areas of the school.
The school was praised for preparing pupils to become ‘well-rounded citizens’, an aim that underpins curriculum activities that explore issues around justice. This means that pupils confidently express their ideas about injustice and how they can help, and also that they clearly understand what is ‘right and fair’.
In addition, the Christian values taught at the school are praised throughout the SIAMS report, with the school’s vision and actions of care and compassion seen as having a positive impact on the community. The constant connection between the school and the parish church – through the local clergy – was also highlighted by the inspector after the visit.
Speaking about the SIAMS report, Mrs Dhaliwal said:
“I am very proud of everyone who has contributed to achieving this positive report, which is thoroughly deserved for all the hard work that is put in here.
“From a personal point of view, it is very satisfying to read that inspectors could see that our school is passionate about providing the highest educational standard possible and that everyone here cares about all pupils fulfilling their potential.
“While this report is very satisfying, we know there are still areas for improvement, and we all remain committed to delivering the very best learning experience we can for all our pupils. We know that the contribution that we make to the local community is vitally important and we will continue to provide all our children with the very best start to their educational journey we can.”
Pic: Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge School
