'Happy and thriving' Stafford school with 'exemplary' pupils praised in inspection
A "happy and thriving" Stafford church school has been praised by a religious education body.
Staff and pupils at Gnosall St Lawrence Church of England Primary Academy are celebrating the outcome of a recent Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) report.
The inspection evaluates how effective a school is in delivering a high-quality, Christian education.
Inspector Lesley Montgomery visited the Lowfield Lane school – which is part of the St Bartholomew's Multi Academy Trust – in April and found it to be a place where pupils are "valued" and their "voice is heard".
Youngsters were praised for their "exemplary behaviour" and it was noted that "respect, kindness and forgiveness" resonate through relationships within the school.
The inspector further found that worship was "at the core" of the school and noted the "wide variety" of experiences on offer to pupils.
The report added that staff were "relentless" in providing the right care for pupils and their families and described them as being "highly motivated and knowledgeable".
Pupils were found to be encouraged to develop a "sense of responsibility", for example through roles such as Year 6 ambassadors and digital leaders.
The inspector added that the spirituality is "deeply embedded" into the school day including through daily meditation, contributing to a "sense of calm" which "descends upon the school".
It was however noted that the school could improve by enhancing the ways pupils "live out the Christian vision" as "agents of change".
Overall, the inspection found Gnosall St Lawrence to be "living up to it foundation" as a Church school.
Headteacher Kirsten Sweet said: "Our recent SIAMS inspection report celebrates so many exceptional aspects of our school and its community.
“It is wonderful to have the excellent work of our children, staff, governors and wider church community recognised in this way.
"We are incredibly proud of the social, moral, spiritual and cultural development that takes place within our school."
It is not the first time the school has received praise, having been rated "Good" by Ofsted after an inspection last year.
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