St Andrew’s CE Primary near Chardstock, which is ‘living up to its foundation as a Church school’, is ‘a special place where pupils and adults are nurtured to live life in all its fullness’ and ‘people are valued as unique and precious individuals’ according to the latest SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) report by the Church of England.   

   

Donna Butler, Head of School, said, ‘At St Andrew’s, our Christian values and ethos underpin everything we do. We are a fully inclusive school welcoming children from all faiths and backgrounds, and we encourage children to celebrate life through friendship, make good decisions, persevere, and be peaceful, loving and respectful. We’re happy to see recognition of all this and more in this report, including how we offer a caring environment and nurture the emotional and mental wellbeing of our pupils.’   

   

St Andrew's has been part of First Federation Trust, a multi-academy of 29 primaries across Plymouth, Devon and Dorset, since 2024. Together ‘school leaders and staff consider deeply what is best for pupils, their families and the local community’, and the ‘support of the trust has given school leaders and staff a renewed sense of confidence and energy’.   

   

Paul Walker, Chief Executive for First Federation, said ‘Staff at St Andrew’s work hard to weave their Christian vision through everything they do, allowing pupils to flourish together and achieve great things. Together we are fully committed to meeting the individual needs of all pupils, offering support and adapting learning where needed.’   

   

The school community recognise St Andrew’s as being 'a loving place where people are welcome and accepted’. Those with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) are seen to ‘thrive in an inclusive classroom environment'’, and the ‘idyllic rural setting’ of the school offers a ‘calming and therapeutic environment’ for all. Pupils ‘have the chance to shine and are celebrated’ allowing them to grow in confidence and self-belief, and are offered the chance to participate in extra activities relevant to their interests including chess and eco-club.   

  

Collective worship plays an important part of school life which is enriched by local church communities, allowing pupils to grow spiritually and offering comfort and joy. Singing offers a 'sense of freedom and unity’ and lifts spirits.  

  

Children are conscientious in their approach to life with mature consideration for ethical issues and a desire to make a difference to the world by spreading awareness and fund-raising. They are respectful of their environment, taking part in the Eco-club, litter-picking and encouraging wildlife, all of which is seen to bring ‘joy and peace for the school community’.   

  

High importance is placed on RE as a subject as it’s known to ‘prepare pupils to live life to the full in a world of diversity’, with staff training creating enthusiastic teachers who have professional expertise in this area. The curriculum is regularly reviewed to maintain its aspirational qualities resulting in a good understanding of the knowledge alongside key skills in debating and reflecting. This helps to create independent learners and respectful listeners.   

  

Leaders, staff and pupils have a deep respect and understanding of each other, with staff feeling ‘uniquely valued and trusted by school leaders’ as they are ‘encouraged to flourish personally and professionally’.   

  

Donna continues, 'We’re very proud of our pupils here at St Andrew’s, who work and play harmoniously and happily together. SIAMS describes our school as being ‘a beacon of love and friendship’ which ‘radiates hope and peace’ and we whole-heartedly agree. We are actively integrated in the local community, and it’s lovely to hear how people enjoy celebrating Christian festivals with us, offering great joy to those who join us.'