ANDREWS’ Endowed Primary School at Holybourne is celebrating after being judged ‘outstanding’ in all areas in a recent inspection.

Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) inspections are usually carried out every five years and follow the same rigorous procedures as their Ofsted equivalent.

The SIAMS inspection seeks to discover how effective church schools are at providing education for all their pupils and how effective the school is within its community.

Headteacher Maria Lloyd said: “We are delighted with the SIAMS report and the way in which it describes our children and their school – ‘the inclusive, welcoming atmosphere is apparent from the moment you enter Andrews’ Endowed Primary School. The wellbeing of each pupil and their family is central to the school’s distinctively Christian ethos’.”

In the report, the inspector makes reference to the school’s core values of love, respect and courage, saying ‘the values are shown in the caring attitude of pupils and adults supporting each other in all aspects of school life’.

Mrs Lloyd said she was delighted to read favourable remarks on the behaviour of pupils which the SIAMS report describes as ‘excellent’.

The report went on: ‘Pupils speak politely and with confidence, displaying consideration for others. During break time, pupils play together and, relating their comments to Christian values, can explain the use of the buddy bench and how anyone feeling lonely will be cared for by others.

“Pupils are confident to talk about their thoughts and understanding of Christianity but are also articulate in discussing other world faiths. From across the school pupils have an appreciation that all faiths should be respected and that people should have the right to practice their beliefs or have no belief.”

Of the staff it says: “The headteacher, along with the senior leadership team and governors, are clear in their commitment to place Christian ethos and values at the heart of the school. There is no doubt that staff value the support of each other and work as a cohesive group for the good of the pupils and their families.

“Partnerships with parents and the local community are of the highest standard and mutually supportive. Parents trust the school and recognise that it has the best interests of their children at heart.”

In summary, the inspection report states: “This is not a school that believes in having reached its best but rather one that strives to ensure they are the best they can be by looking forward, listening and working together to improve.”