STAFF, children, governors and parents of pupils at Morchard Bishop Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School are celebrating after achieving an Outstanding rating in its latest Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) Report.

The inspectors said that the distinctiveness and effectiveness of Morchard Bishop as a Church of England school was “Outstanding”.

In its report it stated:

“Distinctively Christian values are confidently articulated and deeply embedded, successfully impacting on children’s excellent behaviour, relationships and attitudes to learning. ?“The dedication of the headteacher, supported by experienced and committed governors and staff, ensure an exceptionally clear vision is continually moving the school forward as a church school. ?“The outstanding leadership of religious education is having a very positive impact, generating high quality teaching that encourages children to deepen their thinking.”?It said the school’s excellent partnership with the church provides invaluable opportunities to engage and challenge children in new experiences.

Morchard Bishop Primary School is a smaller than average sized primary school with 116 children on roll.

The school roll has increased during the last four years.

The report says the majority of children are of White British heritage although a small number speak English as a second language.

It adds that the proportion of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is below the national average as is the number supported by Pupil Premium. Attendance is above the national average.

Head Teacher, Chris Sargeant, said he was “overjoyed” at the “Outstanding” rating adding: “It shows the dedication and hard work of the staff since the previous inspection and is a particular credit to our Religious Education leader, Samantha Oliver.

“It is also a credit to the pupils and our governing board.

“It was only five years ago that we achieved ‘Satisfactory’ and we are all delighted.”

Mr Sergeant said that the SIAMS inspections are carried out every five years, unlike OFSTED inspections, which are every three years.

The report said that the school, through its distinctive Christian character, was outstanding at meeting the needs of all learners. It said the impact of collective worship on the school community was outstanding, said that effectiveness of the religious education was outstanding and concluded that the effectiveness of the leadership and management of the school as a church school was outstanding.

Areas to improve included to develop a shared understanding between all members of the school community of what spirituality means and involve children in plans to refurbish the outdoor spiritual garden to engage them in high quality opportunities for spiritual development. ?It also said the school should extend the ethos group to involve children and parents so that there is a shared ownership by all members of the school community.