Our Church School / SIAMS Report

Kirk Langley Church of England Primary School

As a Church of England School we embrace the Diocesan vision and want to ensure our children enjoy life in all its fullness providing experiences rooted in faith, love and hope.

Our vision is based on 'A school where every child can shine.'

Daniel 12:3

'Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.'

This reminds us that we should be the light and stand out ; never hide away. The light has impact and that we too can have a positive impact on others. (Parable of the Lamp Mark 4 21:23)

Our team are committed to all our children and together we work to support every child to reach their potential and to know who they are. ‘No child is left behind.’ (Ofsted 5th March 2024)

It our belief that we should provide enriched learning  and an environment where all stakeholders work in partnership to support each step, in order all our children develop skills to become independent lifelong learners,  who are respectful, tolerant and resilient.

We strive to encourage initiative and resilience within a safe environment where all achievement is valued and celebrated. Our Golden Rules and House system enable the children to achieve their own personal best whilst recognising the importance of positive play and positive behaviour.

"When trust goes well it makes me feel more social; I also feel content - like I'm meant to be here. I feel like I can open up." Y6

"The skill I need to build relationships is the skill to listen to others." Y6

"If someone's behaviour prevented me from learning I would tell them to stop or move away from them." Y5

"I like to be challenged by getting harder work so I work harder and with Teachers and people encouraging me." Y5

"I am helped amazingly by my Teachers." Y5

At Kirk Langley Church of England Primary School, we deliver a broad and balanced curriculum that enables children to explore, ask questions and be innovative. It is one which promotes challenge and enables children to make a positive contribution towards their own learning experience.

Mrs Jayne Stevenson

Headteacher

The Church of England's Statement of Entitlement for Religious Education

British Values

The Government set out their definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. The Department for Education have reinforced the need;

'To create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs'.

At Kirk Langley Church of England Primary School we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and wider school community.

The Department for Education defines British Values as follows:

  • Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process.
  • Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England.
  • Support for equality of opportunity for all.
  • Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law.
  • Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs.


Copy this link for a British Values video:

https://youtu.be/gCvMXBB-nrg?si=PtflVtc7KBQP1KtQ

Our school reflects British Values in all that we do.  We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant citizens who make a positive difference to British society and to the world.  We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.

Democracy

  • All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through Pupil Voice sessions and Governor Monitoring.
  • The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during Acts of Worship, interschool competitive sports and enrichment days..
  • Our Behaviour policy  focuses on Positive Play and recognition through House Team points, Class Dojo points and Golden Acts of Worship.


Rule of Law

  • Our school follows ‘Golden Rules’, which are integral to our learning and ethos every day.
  • School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
  • Pupils are always supported to identify appropriate and inappropriate choices alongside their impact.
  • Pupils are encouraged to respect the law understanding that it used to protect us and keep us safe.
  • Pupils are taught about religious laws through Relgious Education lessons.
  • The Behaviour, Anti-Bullying and Safeguarding policies set out a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff, parents and carers.


Individual Liberty

  • Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
  •  Pupils are supported to develop their understanding that it is their responsibility as children of God to look after and care for His creation.
  • Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our nurturing reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
  • Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) lessons.
  • Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.
  • Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Council Members, Classroom Monitors, 


Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

  • Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
  • Pupils are supported in the understanding that we are all God's children and are made in His image and likeness, all of equal value. 
  • Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
  • Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
  • Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship.
  • Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
  • Collective Worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in Religious Education (RE) and PSHE.
  • We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our Creative Curriculum topics and whole school enrichment days/weeks.


Radicalisation and Extremism

All staff know that they must be aware of any signs of radical or extremist views, as outlined in the ‘Prevent’ agenda. All adults, including Governors, are vigilant and know to report any concerns about views/behaviours expressed by a child or anyone connected to a child to the Designated Leaders for Safeguarding.

SIAMS

SIAMS inspection 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. 

What does the SIAMS inspection focus on?

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 the seven strands listed below:

SIAMS 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

IQ1 How does the school's theologically rooted Christian vision enable pupils and adults to flourish?

IQ2 How does the curriculum reflect the school's theologically rooted Christian vision?

Q3 - How is collective worship enabling pupils and adults to flourish spiritually?

IQ4 How does the school’s theologically rooted Christian vision create a culture in which pupils and adults are treated well?

Kirk Langley Church of England Primary School:

In our Church of England Primary School, our theologically Christian vision of - all can shine - shapes everything we do by promoting our values of dignity, wisdom, hope and community. Our vision draws on the Christian teachings of love, respect and belonging creating an environment where both pupils and staff are treated well.

Ofsted Report 5th March 2024:

Pupils love being at school and attend frequently. They value their learning and enjoy being with their friends. Pupils’ behaviour is commendable.

They respect and care for each other. As a result, playtimes are joyful and lessons are rarely disrupted.

The school has prioritised pupils’ spiritual and personal development.

Leaders have carefully planned the personal, social, health and economic education curriculum.

Pupils have a mature understanding of relationships, safety and equality. They know the risks they might face online and know how to act when concerned. Pupils contribute to the school community by taking on different roles, such as treasurers or pupil leaders who organise charity fundraising events.

Parents feel that staff are caring and approachable. Staff enjoy working at Kirk Langley School. They feel part of a hardworking, committed ‘team’. Leaders have thought carefully about staff workload and have taken appropriate action. Governors show great commitment to the school. They work closely with the leaders to ensure money is well spent and pupils have the resources they need.

Christian theology teaches that all people are created in the image of God (Genesis1:27). This belief underpins a culture of respect, where every individual is valued regardless of their background, abilities or beliefs.

The command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself ‘(Mark 12:31) encourages empathy and care in relationships.  At our school we use Positive Play strategies to support this aim and children and adults use the Golden Thread with our Golden Rules: treat others how you would wish them to treat you.

Inspired by Jesus’ example of servant leadership (John 13: 12-17) , staff put the well-being of pupils first and foremost. This approach creates a culture of support where adults model positive behaviour and appropriate choices. Our interventions and Home Learning Club show pupils how positive attitudes to learning create a sense of purpose and belonging.

Christian teaching emphasises fairness and equality (Micah 6-8) ensuring policies, discipline and rewards are applied consistently and with compassion. This helps create a safe and inclusive environment. We support our pupils with resolving conflict in ways that promote healing and that forgiveness is rewarding.

By fostering a sense of belonging and making explicit our shared purpose we encourage mutual respect, ensuring individuals feel included and valued as part of the school community.

In practice these values are reflected in our school policies and everyday interactions, creating a nurturing environment where all are treated with dignity , respect and can shine.

IQ5: How does the school's theologically rooted Christian vision create an active culture of justice and responsibility?

Collective Worship

Working with the Diocese.

https://www.churchofengland.org/about/education-and-schools/vision-education

SIAMS