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In November 2024, St Andrew’s CE Primary School, in Kettering Deanery, was presented with a Church School Excellence Award, in recognition of how well the school’s theologically rooted Christian vision drives their work and the high standards they have achieved. The award was made by the Diocesan Board of Education and based on the outcomes of the school’s most recent Ofsted and SIAMS reports.
The SIAMS Inspector recognised that pupils at St Andrew’s ‘flourish in the school’s inclusive and accepting community’ and that the school’s Christian vision, of being ‘a school where children learn to love their neighbour as themselves’ and ‘where young minds grow and young hearts learn to care’, is lived out daily by pupils and adults.’ The school’s Christian values are at the heart of decision making, contribute to a nurturing ethos, sustain and guide the school community, and are understood by pupils.
The school’s most recent Ofsted report describes St Andrew’s as ‘an extremely inclusive and welcoming school’ where pupils ‘enjoy positive relationships with staff.’ This is echoed in the SIAMS report where St Andrew’s was found to be a ‘vibrant, inclusive school where everyone is valued’ and where wellbeing and inclusion were found to be ‘at the heart of the school’. This is proven further with evidence that ‘pupils with special needs and / or disabilities are well-supported and there is a strong focus on working with families and removing barriers to enable success.’
Collective worship is an important part of the school day and whether pupils are members of other faiths or have no faith, all are invited to participate. The SIAMS report highlights how ‘thoughtfully planned collective worship enables a meaningful understanding and experience of Christian beliefs’ and pupils talk about their enjoyment of worship, describing it as a ‘peaceful time to pause and reflect’. Regular prayer is ‘an embedded practice and is invitational in nature’ with pupils with being fully involved in all areas of planning, including ‘writing and reading prayers that support their spiritual development’,
Pupils talk about the importance of learning about different religions and show respect and appreciation for them. RE is enriched through opportunities to visit various places of worship and pupils talk positively of these experiences.
The personal development of pupils was rated outstanding by Ofsted and the SIAMS report also recognised that ‘pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities and to become advocates for positive change both locally, nationally and internationally. They are empowered to value the world and improve the lives of others.’
Pupils have a secure understanding of their influence upon others and confidently share examples where they have taken part in the monthly ‘Love your Neighbour’ challenges to make meaningful change. For example, they have raised the awareness of the plight of refugees in Syria and provided humanitarian relief, and they regularly support the local foodbank demonstrating a desire to help others, and tackle injustice in the world around them.