SIAMS
'With open minds and loving hearts, we will achieve.'
Clifton-upon-Dunsmore Church of England Primary School was judged "Good with elements of excellence" overall with collective worship judged as 'excellent' by SIAMS in July 2023.
Here are some of the highlights from this report:
- Clifton’s vision is a force for good. This school exemplifies the vision of inclusivity and service to others. A pupil summed up that to attend this school is ‘the greatest gift’.
- Religious education (RE) widens pupils’ horizons. The subject skilfully opens minds and hearts so pupils have a deep empathy and knowledge of different religions and cultures.
- Themes explored through worship often ignite pupils’ social conscience. They are eloquent activists, campaigning for a range of causes that are dear to them.
- The school and parish work together, families are engaging with more services in church.
- In myriad ways, therefore, the school, church and families ‘look after each other’.
- Staff make learning engaging and fun. They ensure that time for reflection is integral to the timetable. In addition, they guide pupils to make meaningful links between subjects.
- Families trust the school and are very appreciative of the care shown to their children. In return, family support for the school, often through the dynamic parent teacher association, is both generous and enriching.
- The Christian vision and accompanying values support pupils and adults to flourish and achieve their potential. Leaders know the school well. Their monitoring of the impact of the vision is informal and so more implicitly shapes the development of the school as a Church school.
- The curriculum and extra-curricular offer provide a wealth of activity to nurture reflection. This leads to widespread spiritual development. At this time, adults and pupils have a limited shared language with which to express their spiritual growth.
- Pupils with additional learning, personal and social needs are very well supported.
- Staff work closely with families to overcome barriers to learning. Inclusion is secured, so that all pupils thrive as individuals within a loving, Christian-based community.
- Collective worship is excellent because it ignites pupils’ hearts and minds. The relationship between school and church, including with volunteers and foundation governors, is one of joyous ‘togetherness’ where all grow in love.
- Religious education (RE) makes an outstanding contribution to how pupil and adults understand their place in our diverse and multi-cultural society. The subject is a powerful expression of the vision to learn together with open minds and loving hearts.
Click below to read the full report: