16 July 2024
On 2nd July 2024, Mary Howard Church of England VC Primary School proudly underwent a SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspection, and we are delighted to announce that we received a Judgement 1. This outstanding result is a testament to our commitment to fostering a nurturing and flourishing environment for all members of our school community, including pupils, staff, families, and our local church.
Our Vision: Inspired by the Mustard Seed
At Mary Howard, our vision is deeply rooted in the parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32), which inspires us to believe that even from very small beginnings, something amazing can grow. We are dedicated to helping every pupil and adult learn how to grow and flourish as healthy, fulfilled individuals who are passionate about life and learning. Our core values of wisdom, love, and perseverance work together harmoniously to achieve our overarching value of koinonia—community and fellowship.
Key Strengths Highlighted in the Inspection
The SIAMS inspection report identified several key strengths that showcase the exceptional work being done at Mary Howard:
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Strong Relationships: The inspection highlighted the exceptionally strong relationships within our school community. Leaders ensure that our Christian vision and values are woven into all aspects of school life, creating a place where everyone can flourish.
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Bespoke Curriculum: Our vision and values anchor and shape a bespoke curriculum that includes numerous opportunities for spiritual development. Leaders are adept at identifying barriers to learning and tailoring provision to meet individual pupil needs.
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Daily Collective Worship: The daily collective worship at Mary Howard fosters a strong sense of unified reverence. It encourages both pupils and adults to understand the significance of our vision and values in their daily lives.
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Culture of Love and Respect: A strong culture of love, respect, and trust permeates our school, enabling everyone to learn and grow together. This supportive environment is essential for the wellbeing of our pupils and staff.
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High Priority on Religious Education: Religious education (RE) is given high priority in our curriculum. It is well-led, challenging, and relevant, allowing pupils to deeply understand Christianity as a worldwide faith.
Areas for Development
While we celebrate our strengths, the inspection also identified areas for development to enhance our school further:
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Ownership of Social Action: We aim to support pupils in taking ownership of social action, empowering them to become independent changemakers and champions of social justice.
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Common Language of Spirituality: We will work towards ensuring that both pupils and adults develop a common language of spirituality, providing them with opportunities to explore and articulate its impact on themselves and others.
Inspection Findings: A Place of Joy and Flourishing
The inspection report described Mary Howard as a "small but adventurous and forward-thinking school" that is a place of joy and flourishing. The new leadership team has breathed fresh life into our work, and the steadfast relationships within our community are key to our success.
The shared value of love shines through in our decision-making, driving a common purpose that enlivens our vision and values. Both parents and pupils confidently articulate the concept of koinonia as their shared community of fellowship, demonstrating a deep understanding of our school's mission.
A Bright Future Ahead
As we reflect on the positive outcomes of our SIAMS inspection, we are immensely proud of our achievements and grateful for the unwavering support of our staff, pupils, families, and the church community. Together, we will continue to grow and flourish, inspired by our Christian values and the belief that every child has the potential to achieve great things.
Thank you for being part of our journey at Mary Howard, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead!
