BISHOP Bronescombe Church of England School in Boscoppa Road, St Austell, has undergone a successful inspection.

A newly-published SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report indicates that the primary school is living up to its foundation as a church school.

Headteacher Stewart Gynn welcomed the report by inspector Jayne Peacock and told the Voice: “The whole school celebrated together by letting off environmentally-friendly ticker tape cannons in the sunshine.”

The school is part of the Rainbow Multi Academy Trust and has just over 300 pupils.

The report said: “The vision of ‘sharing gifts and talents’ is deeply embedded throughout the life of the school, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. The vision shapes decisions made by leaders, staff, pupils and partners on a daily basis.

“There is a strong commitment to providing everyone with the appropriate opportunities, support and encouragement to ‘become something amazing’.

“This is evidenced through provision, such as a baby and toddler forest school group, to pupils singing in Truro Cathedral or leaders engaging in national training.

“The vision is underpinned by carefully selected values. These encourage all to follow Jesus’ example as they use their God-given talents to become their very best selves. Pupils talk about inspiration drawn from Bible stories related to these values.

“The trust’s vision of ‘building a brighter future together’ resonates with the school’s vision, further enhancing the work of the school. This has enabled staff to both share and develop their expertise within and beyond the school.

“The vision of the school is interwoven throughout its ‘Be Bold’ curriculum. It is especially evident within the broad range of extra-curricular activities offered to all. A rich variety of experiences, including ‘BB’s 50 Things’ (50 experiences that the school commits to offering each child), expand horizons and raise aspirations, particularly for those who are disadvantaged. These opportunities enable pupils to potentially discover gifts and talents that they didn’t know they had. This empowers them to live life in all its fullness.

“Leaders and staff are highly committed to supporting all pupils, including those who are vulnerable and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Ambitions for all are high and barriers to learning robustly addressed to ensure equality and equity. For example, the school makes excellent use of its grounds to run a ‘wild tribe’ programme for all pupils. Additional sessions are provided to support the integration of some of the school’s most vulnerable pupils.

“This deeply embedded, inclusive learning culture allows pupils to fully participate within and beyond the curriculum. This enables them to make good progress and flourish. Opportunities to develop spiritually are intrinsic throughout the curriculum with specific activities clearly identified. These support pupils to make connections with something bigger than themselves and to embrace a sense of awe, wonder and peace.

“Collective worship is central to the life of the school and a truly joyous and spiritual occasion.”

The report also said: “Relationships throughout the school are very strong and a genuine sense of Christian love enfolds all members of the school community. The vision of sharing gifts and talents encourages all to live well together in an inclusive, dignifying and equitable culture.

“When faced with tricky problems, especially associated with relationships or dilemmas, pupils and adults are encouraged to ask themselves what Jesus would do.

“Across the school there is a tangible sense of how, together, the school can achieve something amazing.

“Pupils, leaders, staff, parents and governors speak unequivocally about how the Christian culture of the school treats them well. They feel that school creates a safe space for pupils and adults within which they can thrive. Leaders are highly committed to ensuring that well-being and enabling good mental health is a priority for pupils and adults and central to the school’s work. A wide array of strategies are in place to offer practical support and help to pupils and adults in times of need. Adults are appreciative of the how the school views individuals as a whole person and holds them close.

”The school’s vision of sharing gifts and talents effectively creates an active culture of responsibility. This is borne out through the pupils’ involvement in initiatives such as the collective worship team, the school parliament and eco saviours. Pupils have a growing understanding of justice and courageous advocacy but this is not yet fully developed. Pupils enthusiastically support local charities which are important to them, for example, the local food bank, but these partnerships are often adult-initiated.

“The leadership of RE is exceptionally strong and, as a consequence, it has a high profile across the school. A range of faiths are taught, including Christianity as a global, world faith. Through RE lessons, pupils have the opportunity to learn about different beliefs, ask thought provoking, philosophical questions and consider the impact of faith.”