In November we had our SIAMS inspection (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools).

This process happens every 5 years and in 2011 the school was judged as good. I am delighted to inform you that on this occasion we received “OUTSTANDING” in all areas. There are a few other schools within Northamptonshire that have this status but a tiny minority that has an outstanding grade across the four areas.

Key Quotes from the report, made on each of the areas are:

Christian Character and Distinctiveness

Relationships are of the highest standard in this school and are shaped by its Christian character.

All members of the community talk about the family feeling where each is seen as a valued member.

Pupils’ behaviour is outstanding and this is attributed to the school’s ethos by parents.

The school works to support pupils and their families demonstrating Christian love and care for all.

Pupils benefit richly from the ways in which discussion and written work in RE and English prompt their spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development.

Parents also value the way the school, through its Christian teaching, develops pupils’ resilience and helps them to succeed in the next stage of their education.

Collective Worship

Worship is seen as an important part of school life, making a strong contribution to spiritual and moral development.

Worship themes inspire the pupils to work in the service of others both in the school and local communities, as well as with national and international charities. Through these experiences they understand how the Christian faith can be demonstrated and make a difference.

Religious Education

Learners are inspired by the subject of RE and learn well. Children are very proud of the work they produce and are able to give examples of how marking helps them improve their learning. They describe how RE lessons are challenging, making them think about the impact of religion on believers. Teaching is never less than good and often outstanding. The expert subject lead is highly passionate about RE and clearly articulates her ambitious expectations to all the staff. The creative approach to the subject is supported by home learning projects such as the recent one linked to the local church celebration of 150 years since its foundation.

Leadership

Members of the school community describe the Headteacher and her Deputy as inspiring role models who promote a vision deeply rooted in Christian values. They live out their Christian vision in everything they do for the school. The governing body fully supports them in this vision.

The link between the local church and the school is strong. Parents speak warmly about their inclusion in the life of the school and the way they are made partners in their children’s education. They talk about the difference the Christian ethos makes to the lives of their children.

The overall findings stated in the report

• The school’s Christian character has a high profile and shapes its approach to building respect for diversity and difference.
• Distinctly Christian values shape the behaviour and relationships for all members of the school community.
• Inspirational religious education (RE) teaching encourages learners to apply their learning to their daily lives.
• The passionate leadership of the head teacher consistently models a vision rooted in Christian values.

We are very proud of this achievement which would not be possible if it was not for the amazing children at All Saints who spoke confidently to the inspector, the highly supportive Governing Body and parents, the brilliant Father Tony and finally the very talented staff team.

As you may be aware we currently have our Silver RE Award, on Tuesday 10th January the assessor spent the morning in school and we are very proud to say that we have been successful in gaining our Gold Award. This recognises the high profile of RE within school and also the excellent work of our RE Subject Leader Val Griffiths who has done a brilliant job.

So “Gold” and “Outstanding” in just over a month is an amazing achievement from a brilliant team at All Saints.