Shaw Church of England Primary School in Melksham has been celebrated for “enabling pupils and adults to flourish” and being a “warm, welcoming and nurturing school” in a new report following a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) inspection.

SIAMS inspections consider the impact of a 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 effectively this enables all pupils to flourish.  

Shaw Church of England Primary School is very pleased that the report recognises that the school “is living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish.”

Inspectors commended leaders for ensuring that the school’s Christian vision is a “lived reality” where adults and pupils are able to 'let their light shine’. 

The primary school, part of The White Horse Federation (THWF), was also praised for its “well-crafted trust wide curriculum”, which is “thoughtfully adapted to provide bespoke experiences” for individual pupils.

Other notable highlights include:

  • Collective worship is accessible, enabling pupils and adults to feel welcome and able to engage, participate and reflect. 
  • The school’s open-door leadership model promotes a collaborative environment where staff feel confident to share ideas and seek guidance.
  • Pupils are well behaved and polite, with older pupils, including house captains, modelling kindness and care.  Pupils know how to disagree respectfully.
  • When problems arise, pupils know that they can share them with adults.
  • As a member of TWHF, the school benefits from well-established networks where staff expertise is valued and shared. 
  • Shaw Primary supports vulnerable pupils well, taking an inclusive approach to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring that they thrive both socially and academically. 
  • Leaders’ commitment in facilitating onsite swimming removes barriers, ensuring all pupils access swimming without travel or financial constraints. 

Amy Edwards, Headteacher at Shaw C of E Primary School, said:

“We are delighted that this report reflects the welcoming nature of our school as well as our commitment to inclusivity.
“Our Christian vision helps us to support every child to reach their potential and to empower every person in our school community to shine brightly.   
“We look forward to using this report to continue to develop and flourish.”