Mary Dean’s CE Primary on the outskirts of Plymouth, which is ‘living up to its foundation as a Church school’, offers a ‘warm, Christian welcome’ with flourishing as a family at the heart of everything they do according to the latest SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report by the Church of England.  

Donna Wilson, Head of School, said ‘We encourage pupils to work together as a nurturing family, and grow together for a flourishing future with thankfulness, responsibility, courage, friendship, truthfulness and forgiveness. We have worked hard to cement our vision and values into the core of everything we do, encouraging children to use them as a daily guide which has helped to increase their understanding. We are pleased to see recognition of all this and more in our SIAMS report.’ 

There has been a positive change in the provision of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) with ‘systems and processes being implemented’ and ‘a focus on ensuring strong relationships with families’ ensuring they have ‘the help and encouragement they need’. Staff ‘know their pupils well and strive to give them the appropriate support’. 

Mary Dean’s is part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset, which has helped the school identify the best steps to keep moving forward. Staff are committed to constantly reviewing and honing the curriculum, making sure it is driven by the vision and enabling pupils to flourish.   

Angela Jenkins, Director of Performance and Development for First Federation, said ‘At the Trust, we are committed to ensuring staff are well-supported through up-to-date training, and we have prioritised RE as an important subject alongside our other core lessons. We work alongside teaching staff to develop the curriculum and enhance the classroom environment, and it’s great to hear how much pupils enjoy the different ways learning is presented and explored, and how confidently children talk about their understanding of others and different faiths.' 

Leaders work hard to develop ample opportunities for pupils to develop and flourish in terms of their personal growth with access to a good range of extracurricular activities, and also their spirituality via the curriculum, values and collective worship. Children and adults all enjoy coming together to pray, sing, recall stories and ‘explain how these inspire them to think about their own actions’. Worship is inclusive at Mary Dean's and ‘pupils play an increasingly meaningful role’, leading prayer and time for reflection.  

Everyone is well cared for at Mary Dean’s which is highly valued by all staff, pupils and families, as leaders ‘are committed to the flourishing of others’. Pupils learn how to make and maintain positive relationships, and to live physically and mentally healthy lives, and are encouraged to take on positions of responsibility and leadership inside and out of school with internal roles and outreach links with local charities and organisations. Children understand the values of friendship and responsibility and enjoy helping their peers in need.  

The school has made it a priority to bring about change to encourage good behaviour which is ‘framed in the vision and Jesus’ teaching about forgiveness’. 

Donna continues, ‘I’d like to thank all our families for their constant support in upholding our values, and to our pupils, staff and the Trust for their passion, determination and hard work. We are dedicated to our children’s education in study and life skills, and we make it our duty to continue to develop and grow.’