All Church of England dioceses and the Methodist Church use the National Society (for promoting Religious Education) framework for the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS). The framework provides a process for evaluating the extent to which church schools are "distinctively and recognisably Christian institutions."

Inspection focus

SIAMS inspection focuses on the effect that the Christian ethos of the church school has on the children and young people who attend it. Church schools will employ a variety of strategies and styles which reflect their particular local context or church tradition in order to be distinctive and effective. Inspectors will therefore not be looking to apply a preconceived template of what a church school should be like. The principal objective of SIAMS inspection is to evaluate the distinctiveness and effectiveness of the school as a church school.

Inspectors seek answers to four key questions:

• How well does the school, through its distinctive Christian character, meet the needs of all learners?
• What is the impact of collective worship on the school community?
• How effective is the Religious Education (in voluntary-aided schools and academies)?
• How effective are the leadership and management of the school as a church school?

In June 2017, our school was judged to be 'good' in all areas of our SIAMS Inspection: 

The distinctiveness and effectiveness of Great Milton C of E Primary School as a Church of England school are 'good':

• The Headteacher’s vision and sense of direction have led directly to the consolidation of the school’s Christian distinctiveness and the introduction of several initiatives which are developing this even further.
• The strong team created by members of staff powerfully reinforces the sense of purpose and vision built up by the school leadership and demonstrates the Christian values consistently within the school community.
• The children readily respond to the vision and values and model these amongst themselves which has led to rapid development of the school’s Christian character.

Since our inspection in 2017, the framework has changed. The Evaluation Schedule has one inspection question: “How effective is the school’s distinctive Christian vision, established and promoted by leadership at all levels, in enabling pupils and adults to flourish?”

This is explored through seven strands:

1. Vision and Leadership
2. Wisdom, Knowledge, and Skills
3. Character Development: Hope, Aspiration, and Courageous Advocacy
4. Community and Living Well Together
5. Dignity and Respect
6. Impact of Collective Worship
7. Effectiveness of Religious Education.