Blackpool CE Primary School in Liverton, Devon, is ‘living up to its foundation as a Church school and enabling pupils and adults to flourish’ with a Christian vision that ‘provides focus, meaning and direction’ according to the most recent SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report by the Church of England.   

 

The school near Dartmoor has been recognised as being ‘a deeply inclusive school’ which is ‘outward looking’ offering a calm and ‘safe environment for more vulnerable pupils’. Staff are provided with up-to-date special educational needs and disability (SEND) training and a dedicated family support worker provides support to families in need. Parents are included in creating personal learning plans for pupils with SEND establishing strong relationships.  

 

The report acknowledges that as a result of the enhanced vision, the school ‘prioritises living well together’ encouraging everyone to ‘become their best selves’ with ‘a tangible culture of mutual respect amongst staff’.  

 

Russell Pearson, Head of Blackpool CE Primary said, ‘I felt it was important to refocus and broaden the former Christian vision when I joined at the start of 2024, and it’s great to see recognition of this in how it meets the needs of our school and wider community and encourages pupils ‘to look beyond themselves’. We like to offer our pupils the chance to uphold leading roles including being members of committees, digital leaders, or being part of the vision group and school council making decisions about fundraising and other initiatives. 

 

Russell continues, ‘We also have the ‘Blackpool Spirit Award’ where Year 6 students can design and deliver projects to meet the needs of others, encouraging ‘a culture of justice and responsibility’, and the ‘flourishing schools programme’ where we take a lead role in Church school development within our governing body, First Federation Trust.’ 

 

The report highlights the support on offer from the Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primary schools across Devon and West Dorset, which is said to have ‘a deep understanding of Blackpool as a Church school’. It is said, ‘leaders weave together the trust’s values with the school values to support the development of the school as a flourishing community’.   
  

Collective worship is an integral part of daily life for Blackpool, playing ‘a key role in deepening pupils’ and adults’ understanding of the Christian vision.’ The school’s vision and values are entwined into worship with selected stories and themes, and pupils are invited to pray and have time for quiet reflection. There is a strong relationship with the local parish church, St Michael’s, who hold regular worships at the school. 

 

In designing and developing the curriculum, ‘content has been carefully selected and sequenced to reflect the context of the school and the needs of learners’ and RE is ‘led with confidence’. Pupils ‘speak with confidence about the range of religions and worldviews that they study’ and ‘teaching staff understand the role of RE in the life of a Church school.’ 

 

Leaders have ensured there is significant opportunity to learn about ‘differences and develop an understanding of life beyond the school’s immediate location’ with a focus on ‘three pillars of raising aspirations for all, deepening understanding, and making powerful links.’ Spiritual development is ‘an intrinsic part of this curriculum’ with an emphasis on ‘looking inwards and outwards and asking deep questions.’