‘Love, joy, courage and creativity’ – core values of St Stephen's win glowing praise from inspector
‘Core values of love, joy, courage and creativity, along with a broad and exciting curriculum and high aspirations for pupils’ – this was the conclusion of inspectors who recently visited St Stephen’s Church School in Bath.
The glowing report by the SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspector said the school’s vision and ‘inspirational’ leadership, led by headteacher Claire Taylor, have led to ‘excellent outcomes’ for pupils.
Highlighting the school’s many strengths, the inspector said: “The Christian vision and values of the school, underpinned by the vision of Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust (MAT), are a living reality. They result in the core values of love, joy courage and creativity being drivers of various aspects of school life and development.
“Pupils and adults treat each other with exceptional care and kindness, motivated by recognising the hidden treasure of every person. This means difference is celebrated and relationships at all levels reflect the core value of love.
“The vision has driven the development of a broad and exciting curriculum, maintaining high aspirations for pupils and ensuring rich character development. This includes a wealth of opportunities for spiritual development which lead to deep thinking and spiritual flourishing.
“The inspirational school leadership team are driven by the vision to create a powerful culture of nurture and support.
The inspector noted the work which is done with the local church which has a positive impact on the entire school community.
The report said: “Partnership with the church team is grounded in the school core values of love and joy. This results in pupils, staff and parents feeling nourished and inspired by both regular and seasonal community worship events.
“Collective worship is a well-loved daily focus point for community gathering. It inspires pupils by exploring issues of injustice and responsibility and identifying the ‘hidden treasure’ of people who work for justice.”
As well as praise for the curriculum, the inspector highlighted the extra-curricular activities at St Stephen’s.
She said: “New outdoor play facilities support pupil wellbeing through a wide variety of activities to suit different preferences and needs. This means children and adults flourish and find joy in their time both in class and in play.
“In Year 6, all pupils receive the opportunity to be a pupil leader. Consequently, they feel empowered and talk about the responsibility of being a role model for their younger peers.”
She added that the work done by the school, church and MAT meant there was a commitment to ‘diversity and inclusion celebrated’. At St Stephen’s, books and resources are carefully chosen to ensure pupils of varied backgrounds and characteristics are represented. Pupils speak passionately about the importance of being kind and considerate to everyone and celebrating difference at St Stephen’s.”
There was also praise for the school’s approach to Religious Education:
The report said: “RE has good profile and priority in this school and is valued by leaders, teachers, parents and pupils. Pupils are often well-engaged through creative lessons and activities. They demonstrate good knowledge of key concepts in Christianity.”
Ms Taylor said: “We are so pleased that so many of our key values and our vision were recognised as not just words, but as the driver of a living reality in the way daily life happens at St Stephen’s.
“We pride ourselves in working with the children to become the ‘best version of themselves’ and this leads to happy, well rounded and aspirational children who want the best for all around them.”