We are delighted to be seen as a GOOD church school.
Since our last inspection in March 2015 the inspection criteria have been significantly updated and changed. The new criteria are exceptionally rigorous and challenging; exploring the way a school strives to fulfil seven particular strands. Within the previous framework we believe we would have retained ‘Outstanding’ (now Excellent). However, The National Church of England Education Office is promoting that the aim of all church schools is to be a ‘Good’ church school; and this aim was recognised as achieved at our inspection.
The report confirms and celebrates the work that is going on at Holy Trinity day-to-day and it also gives us areas for development. We are incredibly proud that the inspector commented:
The vision and values of Holy Trinity are lived out in all aspects of school life. This loving and supportive community encourages and inspires all to thrive in a safe and nurturing community.
The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) focuses on the impact of the Church school's Christian vision on pupils and adults. This involves looking at the school’s Christian vision, the provision the school makes because of this vision and how effective this provision is in enabling all pupils to flourish. Church schools will employ a variety of strategies and styles appropriate to, and reflective of, their particular context in order to be distinctively and effectively Christian in their character and ethos.
SIAMS inspectors therefore do not look for a set template of what a Church school should be like, but rather take the particular context of the school into account and base their evaluation on the outcomes rather than the process.
The Evaluation Schedule has one inspection 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? This is explored through seven strands:
Vision and Leadership
Wisdom, Knowledge and Skills
Character Development: Hope, Aspiration and Courageous Advocacy
Community and Living Well Together
Dignity and Respect
The impact of collective worship
The effectiveness of religious education
One overall grade is awarded reflecting the contribution of these strands to the flourishing of pupils and adults in a Church school. In addition a standalone grade is awarded in all schools for collective worship