Ofsted/SIAMS
St.Matthew’s is a Good school with many Outstanding features. We are immensely proud to have been awarded an Outstanding grade in Leadership. Inspectors recognised the rapid improvements the school has made . This is testament to the rigour and consistency of the leadership team in their quest to be Outstanding- the skills and knowledge they have imparted and to all the teaching staff and teaching assistants for giving our children the necessary tools to succeed.
Personal development, behaviour and welfare were also acknowledged as Outstanding. Thanks to Mrs Wilson our SENDCo and her amazing team of learning mentors and all the teaching assistants who do such a huge job in closing gaps in learning in order that ALL children can achieve. Also to Mrs Overal and her team in ensuring the health, safety and welfare of our children is paramount.
Our children clearly shine throughout this report: the words impeccable, exemplary, highly responsible, polite , well-mannered and respectful, proud, eager, outstanding, enthusiastic, excellent school ambassadors to name but a few resonate throughout the report. The team of inspectors were full of praise for our children who demonstrated they ‘mix harmoniously’ and have ‘deep respect of different religions and cultures’.
Our Early Years has also been graded Outstanding with such comments as ‘the highly stimulating environment fully engages children, children are highly motivated and engaged in their learning.’ It recognises that parents speak highly of the early year’s provision and are happy with their children’s progress, and that the parental support during the sports carousel was overwhelming. This is a reflection of the dedication of our highly talented Early Years team led by Mrs Vaughan.
Our SIAMS inspection (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) awarded St.Matthew’s Outstanding , once again recognising how through nurturing Christian Leadership supported by a strong committed team the behaviour and positive attitudes of children at St. Matthew’s are outstanding. The report stated ‘The uniqueness of this outstanding school is proclaimed from the time you set foot on the site’. It also recognises ‘ the nurturing care, based on Christian values, provided by the SEND team ensures all pupils , whatever their needs, are inspired to learn .’
We are so very proud of everything we have achieved. It is due acknowledgement of everyone in the St. Matthew’s school community: parents and grandparents, governors, office staff, teaching assistants and teachers for their enormous efforts, grit and determination in extremely challenging times.
If you would like a copy of the report in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.
Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (Formerly SIAS)
All Church of England dioceses and the Methodist Church use the National Society's framework for the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) under Section 48 of the Education Act 2005. The framework sets out the expectations for the conduct of the Statutory Inspection of Anglican, Methodist and ecumenical Schools under Section 48 of the Education Act 2005. As a result of the 2011 Education Act and subsequent changes to the Ofsted inspection framework, we have produced new guidance on making arrangements for a SIAMS inspection.
The framework provides a process for evaluating the extent to which church schools are "distinctively and recognisably Christian institutions".
Inspection focus
SIAMS inspection focuses on the effect that the Christian ethos of the church school has on the children and young people who attend it. Church schools will employ a variety of strategies and styles, which reflect their particular local context or church tradition in order to be distinctive and effective. Inspectors will, therefore, not be looking to apply a preconceived template of what a church school should be like.
The principal objective of SIAMS inspection is to evaluate the distinctiveness and effectiveness of the school as a church school.
Towards this objective, inspectors seek answers to four key questions.
1. How well does the school, through its distinctive Christian character, meet the needs of all learners?
2. What is the impact of collective worship on the school community?
3. How effective is the Religious Education? (in VA schools and academies)
4. How effective are the leadership and management of the school as a church school?
The National Society's Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) framework is used in all Section 48 inspections of Church of England schools and in the denominational inspection of academies.