CAPTION: Students and staff at Rackenford Church of England Primary School celebrate their Inspection findings
Devon Church of England Primary School Recognised as ‘Beacon of Light to the Local Community’
A Church of England Primary School is the first in Devon to be inspected under a new framework.
Rackenford Church of England Primary School in Tiverton was inspected by Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools, known as SIAMS. SIAMS is the Church of England and Methodist Church’s outworking requirements of section 48 of the Education Act 2005.
The SIAMS framework looks at ways in which a school’s theologically rooted Christian vision drives its work, and enables the school to live up to it’s foundation as a Church School.
The school was recognised as being a place where students and staff can flourish.
The vision for Rackenford Primary School is ‘let your light shine’, inspired by Matthew 5:14-16. This vision encourages the school to act as a beacon for the community, in the same way that a city on a hilltop cannot be hidden.
This continues, ‘We want our children to value themselves and others for who they are and have high aspirations. We believe that we all have something to bring to our school, local, and wider communities.
“We want to celebrate children’s achievements in all areas of their lives.’
The school was recognised for following it’s vision, with one of their strengths outlined as being a ‘beacon of light to the local community.’ The inspection found that the school is working hard to help support vulnerable pupils, those with special education needs and disability (SEND), along with their families, allowing them to flourish.
It was also found that the school’s Christian vision drives pupil’s learning and extra-curricular activities, allowing all pupil’s the opportunity to ‘let their light shine’ and help others to do the same.
The Head of school, Emily Budden, said, “At Rackenford Church of England Primary School we value, respect and celebrate every child as an individual and we are so pleased that this report reflects this. All staff and pupils have wholeheartedly embraced the vision of ‘Let your light shine’ and this, along with our core Christian values, creates a school community where all achievements are celebrated and encouraged.”
Lucy Bull, Co Chair of Governors of the Federation of Tiverton Schools, said: “It comes as no surprise to us that Rackenford is living up to its foundation as a Church school, as it embodies its vision of “Let your light shine” every day. As governors we are so proud of everyone there.
“Rackenford is a beacon for the community, ensuring that the talents and skills of everyone at the school can be celebrated. Leaders and staff have worked hard to embed its vision, taken from Matthew 5:14-16, to develop the unique characteristics of the school into a flourishing identity.”
Rackenford Primary School has faced a challenging year, with changes in both leadership and staff re-structure. During the inspection it was found that despite this, the school has continued to grow and develop as a Church School.
The inspection report commends the school’s collective worship as being inclusive and following the school’s Christian vision and values. The school is well supported by the local church, All Saints, and the school and community enjoy worshipping together.
The school has clear plans for areas that need further improvement, to help them to continue to fulfil their vision of being a beacon for the community.
Lucy Bull said, “Inspections like these, particularly at the beginning of the term and under a new framework, sometimes provide more questions than answers. I think that this finding gives the school some ownership to continuing to develop with integrity.
“It is very richly deserved – we all know that Rackenford Primary School is a small school with a big heart – and I hope that we have proven that, like the city on the hill mentioned in Matthew’s verses, we cannot be hidden.”
The Venerable Douglas Dettmer, Archdeacon of Totnes and Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education, said, “Church of England schools aim to be ‘deeply Christian, serving the common good’- welcoming children and families of all faiths and none.
“Small, rural church schools have a special place at the heart of village life here in Devon, and it has been heartwarming to read the report of Rackenford C. of E. Primary’s recent statutory inspection as a church school.
“The report commends the school’s Christian character and values, its inclusiveness, the quality of its collective worship, and the high standard of religious education which seeks to give pupils a strong grounding in all the major world faiths as well as Christianity.
“Clearly the school is a blessing to its community and is letting its light shine, just as it encourages its pupils and staff to do day by day. Congratulations, Rackenford!”
To listen to a BBC Radio Devon interview with Rackenford Church of England Primary School Headteacher, Emily Budden click here (1:54:30 into the programme).
