Goodrich Church of England Primary School recently received a SIAMS inspection (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) and was graded as “outstanding.”

Lynn Collett, a Goodrich resident and member of Goodrich Village Hall Trust, commented: “As an integral part of the village community we are all very proud of, but not surprised by, this recognition.”

The Diocese Inspector, Bridget Knight, visited the school on Friday, June 9th. In her report, she commented: “The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is outstanding at meeting the needs of all learners. This school’s Christian character is its bedrock, enabling it to live out its Christian motto of ‘achieve, believe and care’.”

She added: “Goodrich School works hard to widen their children’s view of the world and ensures that pupils think beyond themselves and they actively care for one another.”

All Church of England schools receive a SIAMS inspection every five years, in addition to Ofsted inspections. The principal objective of SIAMS inspection is to evaluate the distinctiveness and effectiveness of the school as a church school, and how well the distinctive Christian character and ethos of the school ensures the development and achievement of the whole child or young person.

Mrs Miles, Headteacher, told the Ross Gazette: “As a school we provide a rounded education for our children, regardless of their personal beliefs. Our ethos is well grounded in the Christian values we have chosen as a school and are lived out by our staff in their day to day interactions with the children, families and community as a whole.”

In the inspection, Miss Wright, the school’s co-ordinator for the area was commended for the development of the school’s ethos, and a particular success was the creation of a new, ever evolving centre piece for the hall. Mrs Knight said: “A striking emblem of this school’s collective dedication to its Christian mission is shown in the tree of life and values dove artwork in the school hall. This is the result of careful consultation with the community and was created by staff and governors working together.”

The report concluded: “The impact of the special culture, created by this school is summed up in the words of the parents: ‘This school is full of love and care...our children can’t wait to get back to it’.”