SIAMS Inspection

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.
SIAMS inspections are carried out in all Anglican and Methodist schools. The principal objective is to evaluate the distinctiveness and effectiveness of the school as a church school, assuming a school is ‘Good’ and focusing the inspection on finding and celebrating evidence of this.  Inspectors are looking to see how the school’s Christian vision shapes the school and how effective this is in enabling pupils and adults to flourish.

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.

In March 2020, SIAMS inspections were suspended as part of the Government’s Covid-19 legislation. They resume in the Autumn Term 2021.
The purpose of SIAMS Inspection is the improvement of Church school education through a focus on the centrality of Christian vision, shining a spotlight on the fundamental right of all pupils and adults to flourish. SIAMS inspectors ask questions about and seek evidence that demonstrates the impact that the school’s vision has directly on the lives, learning, and development of all within the school community.


From September 2021, an amended Evaluation Schedule is available here SIAMS Handbook. The amendments relate to the impact that Covid-19 and subsequent school closures have had on the education system, enabling schools to provide evidence that specifically relates to the impact of their Christian vision during this extraordinary time.

SIAMS inspections will resume in the Autumn Term 2021, from the week beginning 11 October 2021.

Deanery CE Primary School SIAMS Inspection report 15th October 2021 

SIAMS Inspection Report