ST John’s First School has been described as, “like receiving a big hug” by Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) inspectors who gave the school a ‘Good’ rating following a recent visit.
The inspector also praised staff and governors for the pastoral care they provide for pupils, saying the school provided, “ a distinctive Christian vision which is clearly lived by the whole school community, ensuring the flourishing of pupils and adults alike.”
Acting interim headteacher Jo Greathead said, “We are delighted with the ‘Good’ outcome of the SIAMS inspection, it is a recognition of our hard work to promote and develop the school’s Christian vision. We are very proud of our St John’s family and in particular that the inspection recognised and celebrated the pastoral care we provide.”
Children at the school recently experienced a wide range of learning on the theme of joy during Faith Week. All classes shared a collection of high-quality texts based around the theme of joy, explored joy in the Christian faith and contrasted this with another world faith. Year 3 and 4 wrote their own joy poems, enjoyed a visit from Alison Murdoch to hear about how prominent joy is in the Buddhist faith and made a comparison between joy in Christianity and Buddhism.
Year 2 made a collection of wool hearts which they hung on the fence outside school for others to take home to spread some joy around the community. Year 1 children made streamers and danced for joy as well as writing their own joy poems. Reception children were excited to show off their ‘jars of joy’ which they decorated and filled with drawings and items that make them feel joyful.
Jo said, “It was wonderful to walk around school visiting classes and seeing all the wonderful learning taking place and conversations around faiths and joy.”
