Chester village school praised in inspection report

Saighton Church of England Primary School and Pre School was found, in a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMs) report, to have many strengths.

Inspectors, who had toured the school this month, had concluded Saighton is living up to its foundation as a church school, noting the school's inclusive Christian vision means "pupils and adults are confident in knowing that they can flourish in a nurturing and supportive environment".

Headteacher Sue Dawson and the rest of the school staff are celebrating the excellent report.

The report particularly praised the school’s pastoral care, noting: "genuine love is demonstrated by staff and pupils, as a result pupils and adults experience school as a place of calmness, security and happiness."

During the inspection, staff, pupils, parents and governors were all interviewed by the inspector. The inspector also attended worship and visited each class to observe teaching, with particular focus on RE teaching and the scrutiny of pupils' books. The inspector also joined pupils outside during their break times and attended the school's morning pupil prayer meeting.

Saighton Church of England Primary School & Pre School staff and pupils are celebrating a positive SIAMS report.

The report highlights many strengths of the school, including its vision, worship, RE leadership, enabling all to flourish, outdoor learning and opportunities for spiritual growth.

The report found: "the vision underpins and drives life at every level. It enables pupils and adults to grow and flourish."

Inspectors noted the school had "an inclusive nature where mutual respect is fostered", where pupils "treat each other with respect and demonstrate resilience when faced with challenges", and staff "value being part of a supportive team".

Mrs Dawson said: "We are delighted with the SIAMS report, which we feel reflects the school perfectly, especially the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the support of our governors and community.

Through classroom visits, the school was praised for its RE curriculum, strong teaching and challenging lessons, adding: "the relevance of the curriculum combined with skilful teaching, ensures that pupils make rapid and sustained progress in RE. Pupils respond to the high expectations of teachers who make learning memorable."

As an example, pupils were motivated to act upon learning of the poor treatment of battery hens. As a result, the school has rescued hens and raised a petition to end this practice, with 'henpals' taking the responsibility of looking after hens very seriously.

Beyond the classroom, staff are particularly proud of pupils who are described as being "enthusiastic about their roles in school and actively seek to be agents for change in their community and beyond with acts of compassion."

And the report noted: "Pupils learn about world issues and are driven to passionately act upon it."

Daily collective worship is reported as being inclusive and valued by all, creating "a golden thread that runs through the whole school experience."

Mrs Dawson added: "We will continue to build on our excellent achievements to ensure that our whole school community can continue to flourish together, living life in all its fullness."