SIAMS – Church School Report
Church School Report
CHURCH INSPECTION
(NATIONAL SOCIETY STATUTORY INSPECTION OF ANGLICAN SCHOOLS REPORT)
On Thursday 5th February 2026, William Gilbert Endowed Church of England Primary and Nursery School received its latest SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) inspection.
SIAMS inspections explore how well a Church school’s Christian vision is lived out in every aspect of school life, including relationships, curriculum, leadership, wellbeing, inclusion, and the ways the school enables all children and adults to flourish.
The inspector spent a full day observing all aspects of school life with an emphasis on religious education, collective worship, teaching across the school and the Christian distinctiveness of the school as a whole.
She spent time talking to the Headteacher, Mrs Britten, the RE and Collective Worship subject leader, Mrs Owen, members of staff, representatives of the parent body, governors and, of course, the children themselves. The pupils all took part in collective worship and conducted acts of worship in their individual classrooms as well as displaying their learning.
We are delighted that the findings affirm the warmth, care and high-quality education that define William Gilbert.
Our Christian Vision in Action
Our vision “Through faith, hope and love we learn together” continues to guide and shape a school community where every child is known, valued and supported.
Importantly, as a Church of England school, we proudly welcome children and families of all faiths and none, and the inspector recognised this deeply inclusive culture throughout the school.
WHAT DID THE INSPECTOR SAY?
The full report can be accessed by clicking on the following link SIAMS Inspection Report February 2026. However, these are some of the comments the inspector made when she visited in February
The report highlights:
- “Strong, trusting relationships at all levels embody the school’s vision… The deep sense of care for others enhances wellbeing.”
- “William Gilbert is a place of hospitality and welcome. Leaders’ relational approach ensures people are known, heard and valued.”
Supporting Every Child: Wellbeing, SEND and Emotional Regulation
The inspector praised our nurturing approach and the high quality of support offered to all pupils, including those with SEND and those considered vulnerable.
- “Leaders and staff provide highly effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those considered to be vulnerable.”
- “Bespoke adaptations, including nurture and wellbeing interventions, are carefully designed to meet their individual needs.”
- “‘The Retreat’ is a sanctuary where trained staff offer targeted help that enables pupils, parents and carers to cope and restore hope.”
This reflects our commitment to ensuring that every child receives the support needed to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
An Inclusive and Ambitious Curriculum
The report celebrates our curriculum as one that nurtures pupils’ confidence, curiosity and personal strengths:
- “Leaders have created an inclusive curriculum that nurtures pupils’ individual gifts and talents… building pupils’ confidence and self-esteem.”
- “A rich programme of extracurricular activities provides purposeful experiences for pupils to develop their unique skills and talents.”
Spiritual development is woven throughout learning, encouraging pupils to think deeply, ask questions and express their ideas creatively.
Respect, Tolerance and Understanding Others
We are especially proud that the inspection recognised the way pupils demonstrate empathy and respect for difference — qualities that prepare them for life in a diverse world:
- “Pupils actively listen and appreciate others’ perspectives.”
- “Pupils demonstrate an increasingly sophisticated respect for the diverse ways in which people experience and understand the world.”
- “Collective worship… empowers them to see themselves as changemakers, actively promoting respect for others.”
Leadership and Community
The report reflects the strength of our leadership, our partnership with families, and our place at the heart of the Duffield community:
- “This embedded culture of collaboration and shared purpose harnesses inclusion and builds community.”
- “The love and kindness leaders extend to staff… enables them to flourish.”
Since our inspection everyone at William Gilbert is working hard to maintain the identified strengths whilst seeking to continually improve and embrace change.