Chagford Primary praised as ‘heartbeat of the community’ in latest SIAMS report

Chagford Primary CofE Primary School, part of Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust, has been praised as the “heartbeat” of its local community by a new report.

The affirmation comes after the school’s latest SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspection – a statutory process by which every Church of England and Methodist Church-run school in the country is assessed on the impact of its Christian values.

The glowing report, now available online on the school website, goes on to suggest the school’s central vision of “care, community, and challenge” inspires leaders to “make bold decisions to provide very effective support the diverse needs of all.” It also concludes:

• Religious education (RE) is a “strength of the school,” and "challenges pupils’ thinking through big questions which makes a significant contribution to shaping their opinions.”
• A culture of aspirations “permeate across the school”, meanining “staff share high expectations with pupils, growing self-belief so they flourish.”
• Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust “provides effective support in many areas,” while working “closely with all of its communities, growing leaders and enriching practice.” Through this, the report suggests DMAT makes “an impressive contribution through a diocesan partnership growing the work of Church schools.”
• The school’s vision also “drives improvements, notably enriching pupils’ communication skills and creating a curriculum which nurtures a love of learning.”
• The work of local governors is “developing, where they use Trust guidance to confer with pupils and suggest areas to develop. Their enthusiasm contributes to the school flourishing.”
• A language of “being the best you can be and ideas from Christian values” nurture a culture in which “pupils are supported to discover and grow unique talents, where success is widely celebrated.”

Alongside these hugely positive points, the report outlines a number of constructive areas in which the school can continue these excellent strides, and leaders are already hard at work putting plans in place to achieve these.

Emma Goodwin, Principal at Chagford CofE Primary School, said: “We are abolsutely thrilled with this report, and incredibly proud of the hard work put in by students and staff alike. The school is at the heart of the community so this is a fantastic result for the whole town. It was particularly pleasing to see the report conclude the school’s growing reputation is attracting others, as we really are committed to providing a supportive, inspiring space for young people and their families from across the community.”

Elizabeth Underwood, Executive Principal of CofE Schools at Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust, said: “This brilliant report is testament to the hard work and dedication of Emma and her staff at Chagford, as well as Hub Principal Lisa Paton, the wider community, and of course our brilliant students. It was encouraging to see the report underline the many things that make Chagford a special place in the community, and I’m excited to see it go from strength to strength.”