Rockbeare CE Primary is a ‘beacon of aspiration and hope’ according to latest SIAMS report   

Rockbeare CE Primary near Exeter, which is ‘living up to its foundation as a Church school’, is ‘a beacon of aspiration and hope’ and ‘a profoundly loving haven where pupils and their families are warmly welcomed’ according to the latest SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report by the Church of England.  

Sally Davies, Head of School, said, ‘We’re so pleased with the lovely words from our recent SIAMS report. We work so hard to drive positivity and ambition for our pupils, encouraging them to ‘dream big and fly high’ as part of our Christian vision. Our values of creativity, hope, respect and courage encourage pupils to persevere when things are difficult. We want to prepare children to reach their full potential and understand that determination can help during tougher times.’   

Rockbeare is part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset. The school is seen to work ‘in highly effective partnerships with the trust, local church and diocese’ where together ‘they extend ‘wide arms’ of acceptance and understanding to pupils and adults’. ‘Wise and bold leadership’ ensures that pupils are ‘empowered to aspire and flourish’, providing an ‘aspirational education so that pupils grow holistically’. Staff feel ‘valued and encouraged’ to give ‘their best for the pupils’.  

Kath Powell, Director of Inclusion for First Federation, said ‘It’s great to see recognition of the high level of support we offer for children’s emotional and mental wellbeing and to those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). SEND pupils are seen to flourish partly due to their participation in leadership roles including the ethos council which increases confidence, ambition and success. As a Trust, we understand the importance of RE as a subject, providing staff with up-to-date professional training and support to ensure children continue to be taught well about a variety of beliefs and religions.’  

Pupils have access to a range of experiences and visits to enhance the curriculum and have a good understanding and knowledge of world religions and viewpoints. Time is provided for outdoor learning including the care of pets which encourages pupils to ‘appreciate beauty, wonder, have fun, reflect and pray’, and daily collective worship offers time for reflection and prayer, both of which help children to develop spiritually. Prayers are led by the local clergy and the children themselves, widening ‘the breath and range of different styles of worship that pupils encounter’.   

The ‘school is an oasis of love and care for families whose lives have been disrupted by conflict and poverty’ which builds a deep respect between pupils for themselves and others. Children are ‘aware of a bigger world, seeking to bring joy and hope where there is sadness and despair’ which is enabled and supported by staff.   

Staff have built trusting relationships with parents and carers and there is a strong connection to the wider, local community who benefit from pupils giving ‘their time and talents to enrich village events’ including singing at the care home and meals at the village hall which helps to lift people's ‘spirits with hope and joy’.   

Sally continues, 'We are very proud of our school culture of living harmoniously which encourages pupils to resolve their differences with respect and forgiveness and breeds reassurance and peace of mind for all. We will continue to enhance our curriculum and develop more opportunities for our pupils so they can remain on the right path as morally upstanding citizens.'