Chichester Diocese
In June 2026 we received our long awaited SIAMS inspection - an inspection that all Church of England schools receive roughly every five years (ours was delayed of course due the the national pandemic!)
It is, as we expected, a positive report with no one-word-type judgements like OfSTED have used for many years. As well as more detailed responses to the mandatory six questions, it lists four notable strengths:
- Birdham is an inclusive and welcoming school community. Its Christian vision ‘love each other’ is authentically lived. Consequently, it shapes relationships, nurtures a strong sense of belonging and enables adults and pupils to flourish.
- Leaders understanding of the vision’s words to ‘love our world’ is woven throughout the curriculum and school life. It inspires pupils to value and care for God's world.
- School leaders, including governors, have a strong understanding of the school's Christian vision. They use it purposefully to shape policy, practice and strategic improvement. As a result, it enhances the Christian foundation of the school in the way that it is applied throughout the day.
- The final section of the vision ‘love learning’ drives curriculum development. This ensures that it is creative and engaging, supporting pupils to flourish.
Click below to read the full report:
Birdham CE Primary School is a Voluntary Controlled primary school and as such has foundation members of the governing body who are chosen by the Chichester diocese.
As a Church of England school we work closely with St James, our local parish, and hold services there every term. Our Rector, Father Jonathan recently left to take up a new Parish, and his replacement has not yet been decided.
A local volunteer worker called Frank; Hugo from another local church; and children from Bishop Luffa School all regularly lead collective worship in our school.
Some years ago, our Y5/6 children designed their own stained glass window based on the imagery of the East Window in the church and which now hangs proudly in our school entrance hall. It was dedicated by the Right Reverend Eric Kemp, a former Bishop of Chichester.
Children in Kingfisher class contributed to a very special art competition as part of the Chichester Diocese year of prayer. The children learned about, copied and created illuminated letters to be used as part of a prayer, and each was then mounted to form the first part of the prayer ‘Thanks be to thee my Lord Jesus Christ’.
The children were then lucky enough to be invited to take part in a calligraphy workshop run by several talented parents. Here, each child learned from experts how to use the tools required in calligraphy. Each child then wrote part of the calligraphy words forming the second part of the prayer. Finally, they hand finished miniature copies of their illuminated letter design using embossing powders and machines.
The competition judges were so impressed that they created a special award for our entry so that the effort involved could be recognised.
Every other year, we host our own Prayers Spaces in the school hall, where children, staff, governors and parents are given an opportunity to explore prayer and spirituality in a unique kinaesthetic way that often especially appeals to a younger audience. Our last prayer space, in March 2025 was universally enjoyed and received positive comments from all who visited.
Religious Education (RE) PolicySpirituality Policy
We want all our children to know how to learn, how to look after the world and how to love each other. Loving each other in particular involves knowing ourselves and how we 'wash' our insides and keep our 'spirituality' healthy.
Our children also worked collaboratively to write our new School Prayer, which is based our our three-part vision statement:
Love Learning ~ Love Our World ~ Love Each Other.
If you have four minutes ... why not listen to our Birdham Vision Song ... click this link ♪♪♪
