Headteacher’s pride at praise from inspectors

Burford Primary School, near Tenbury Wells, has been rated 'Good' following a recent SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) visit.

The school, which is part of the Hereford Diocese Multi-Academy Trust, was praised for being a "welcoming, inclusive and vibrant school".

Inspectors said the curriculum promotes the need to be "inclusive and to have an acceptance of diversity and difference", while the commitment and drive of the headteacher, senior leadership team and governors ensure that all members of the school community "feel valued, loved and welcomed into God’s family".

Headteacher Emma Winters said: “We are really pleased that our school has been graded as ‘good’ and I feel proud because it is the recognition that everyone here deserves for all the hard work they do.

“It is particularly satisfying to read SIAMS officials noted that the inclusive, nurturing relationships here are ‘underpinned by an overtly Christian vision which relates to ‘love, trust and courage’’, and that this vision provides a firm foundation on which all children may reach their potential.

“To read that parents speak about high levels of pupil behaviour and of positive relationships between pupils and staff is so satisfying, while the acknowledgement that the school prioritises the support given to pupils’ mental health, resilience and well-being is also important to us.

“This pastoral care plays a key part in all that we do and to hear it described as the ‘heartbeat’ for the school, allowing pupils to feel ‘confident, resilient and prepared for life’s challenges’ is a source of great pleasure.

“All the staff here are committed to giving our children the best start to academic life we possibly can and as the report states clearly, through the school’s vision, everyone is committed to the raising of pupils’ aspirations and educational standards.

“While we are all pleased by this report and can be proud of the school that Burford is, I can offer reassurance that we will not be resting on our laurels and that everyone here will continue to strive to ensure that our school is the very best it can possibly be.”