Pupils and staff at Whitminster Endowed C of E Primary School received a visit from Bishop Rachel after their positive SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspection report.
Bishop Rachel spent time touring the school, joining in worship, and chatting with children and staff during her visit.
Ali Parry-Jones, Headteacher at Whitminster, said: “I had an email from Revd Liz saying that Bishop Rachel would like to visit. It just so happened the SIAMS inspection was happening on the same day. I don’t know if that was coincidence or not, but of course, we were delighted to welcome her.”
Bishop Rachel was guided around the school by their Year 6 Ethos Team, who showed her classrooms, the spiritual garden, and the shared school vision in action. She joined pupils and staff for collective worship, and took time to speak candidly with the children about her role as bishop.
“She was amazing with the children,” Ali said. “She spoke honestly about her work, talking about meeting the Queen, visiting prisons, her upcoming trip to Palestine, and her role in the House of Lords. She also showed the children her cross made out of used bullets. The children were fascinated.
“One highlight was Bishop Rachel’s interest in the school’s ’50 things to do before you leave Whitminster’ display. She told staff she could use it in her work with prisoners, reflecting on how messages of hope can resonate with those who perhaps haven’t got any.”
The recent SIAMS inspection found that the school’s Christian vision, ‘A family, a foundation, a future’,was clearly lived out through daily school life. The report said that the school’s “deep seated commitment to loving one another translates into a vibrant culture of care.”
Ali said: “The inspector observed the ethos in action through lessons, worship, and conversations with children and staff alike. My team have worked really hard, and the school would not have achieved our glowing SIAMS report without them.
“Although attending church services can be logistically difficult for the children due to our school’s rural location, local church leaders have embraced the school as place of worship; they class the school as the church. It’s a beautiful recognition of what we’re trying to create for our children. If that’s what people from outside of the school see in, that’s what the children are experiencing as well.”
News Hub
