Ofsted and SIAMS
School Inspections: A Guide for Parents
In November 2025 Ofsted said:
Ofsted’s view of ‘What it’s like to be a pupil at this school’:
“Pupils benefit from warm and positive relationships with adults. They bound into school each day with smiles and chat aplenty. They enjoy the company of their friends. Whether playing football, building a sun dial or exploring the forest area, there is much to do in the playground. Older pupils delight in helping and supporting their younger peers whether
outside or in the dinner hall. Pupils enjoy their time in school. They rarely miss a day at school; their attendance is high.
Staff have a deep and accurate understanding of pupils’ individual needs. For example, pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities benefit from well-tailored provision to overcome barriers they face with their learning. Similarly, staff provide the right care and guidance to pupils who need support to adapt their behaviour.
Pupils behave extremely well. They work hard and concentrate in class, readily offering answers to their teacher's questions during lessons. The firmly established culture of respect means that they see one another as individuals. The school's ethos supports pupils to learn and celebrate their own beliefs along with the beliefs and cultures of other people. This helps prepare them well as they step out into the wider world.
Pupils benefit greatly from the rich and varied wider opportunities on offer. The 'Sutton Challenge' encourages pupils to help families and neighbours with activities, such as cooking, cleaning and working to reduce energy use. Pupils take great pride in receiving their medals to acknowledge the difference they make in their school and local community.”
You can read the full report here:
There is further information about our school and our school performance data available on the Department for Education website, just click below to find out more:
http://www.education.gov.uk/cgi-bin/schools/performance/school.pl?urn=109626
Our parents’ views are very important to us and you can find out what other parents currently think of our school on the parent view website:
http://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/parent-view-results/survey/result/6889/current
Welcome from the National Director of SIAMS
The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) is the Church of England and Methodist Church’s outworking of the requirements of section 48 of the Education Act 2005
It is a key element of the life of all Church of England and Methodist schools in England.
A national system for managing inspections has been developed with the dioceses to ensure greater consistency in experience and processes. Read the full letter from the Chief Education Officer to schools here.
Approximately every five years, schools are subject to an inspection which explores the question, “How effective is the school’s distinctive Christian vision, established and promoted by leadership at all levels, in enabling pupils and adults to flourish?”
This overarching inspection question is examined through seven strands:
1. Vision and Leadership
2. Wisdom, Knowledge, and Skills
3. Character Development: Hope, Aspiration, and Courageous Advocacy
4. Community and Living Well Together
5. Dignity and Respect
6. Impact of Collective Worship
7. Effectiveness of Religious Education.
Sutton VA Lower School was inspected in 9th May 2025. Click HERE to read the inspection report.
‘Shine as lights in the world’ radiates throughout every aspect of school life. Leaders are passionate about enabling pupils to shine. They have ensured that the Christian vision and associated values are known, understood and lived out in practice. Pupils recount how they are kind to each other and solve problems together. This enables a supportive, inclusive and respectful culture where pupils and adults flourish.'