In accordance with Section 48 of the Education Act 2005, all Church of England schools are subject to the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) under the Framework provided by the Church of England Education Office.
The new SIAMS Inspection Framework takes effect from September 2023. This, along with other documents from the Church of England Education Office, is available to download below.
Our Schools Advisers are here to help with any matters relating to SIAMS and in particular to support schools as they move forward and address their key areas for development. We also offer regular training events as part of our CPD programme for teachers, governors and MAT leaders. All necessary checks on serving inspectors are carried out by the national SIAMS team, who are also responsible for timetabling SIAMS inspections and allocating inspectors.
From September 2023 there is an increased focus on a school’s theologically rooted Christian vision. The impact of this vision is explored through six Inspection Questions. Another new focus is the impact of the muti-academy trust on the flourishing of the school.
There are new optional templates for your ongoing self-evaluation and the summary self-evaluation for the inspector.
Our SIAMS training events will explore the new Framework in detail. The team are pleased to offer advice and training for schools and MATs. Please contact the Schools Advisers or Felicity Cobley for more information.
Essential resources
- SIAMS inspection Framework September 2023
- SIAMS Summary Self Evaluation template
- SIAMS Ongoing Self Evaluation template
- SIAMS Inspection Deferral Policy
- SIAMS Appeals & Complaints Policy
- Schools likely to be inspected 2023-2024
Examples of good practice
The Blue School in Wells received a grade of Excellent in their SIAMS inspection in June 2022. The report reads: 'School leaders at all levels are highly ambitious in their shared vision for the school and ensure that all pupils flourish.’ Contact Mark Woodlock, headteacher at the school, for more details.
Who to contact
Felicity Cobley, School Effectiveness Administrator
Additional resources
SIAMS Good practice in SIAMS self-evaluation
SIAMS Methodist Principles of Education
SIAMS Suggested Self Evaluation timetable
SIAMS Suggested Self Evaluation timetable for Governors
Discussion Points for Trust Leadership
SIAMS - a brief guide for governors
Church of England Vision for Education
Goodness & Mercy – RSHE for Church of England Schools
Christian Aid - Courageous Advocacy
RE Statement of Entitlement for Church Schools
Valuing All God’s Children (3rd Edition 2019)
Christian Aid – Global Neighbours, Prayer Spaces and lots more