A Burnley primary school where children are encouraged to celebrate 'the importance of nature' has been commended during an inspection.

A statutory inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) took place at the beginning of February at Higham St John's Church of England VC Primary School.

This was in addition to an inspection by Ofsted at the 127-pupil school.

The SIAMS report said ‘Christian vision was deeply embedded in all aspects of the school’s daily life’.

It read: “This is well supported by the school’s Christian values that inspire adults and pupils to ‘keep in step with the Spirit’.

"Using the Christian vision, leaders ensure that love runs through everything. The well-being of everyone is a high priority for the school.

“This has developed a nurturing culture where pupils learn to respect and value one another. Inspired by the Christian vision, carefully chosen partnerships help to enhance the curriculum.

“Pupils are engaged in their learning and those with additional needs are well supported to succeed. Collective worship is valued by all.

“Leaders use an inclusive approach to promote the vision and values of the school. This further develops the strong sense of community. Religious education (RE) has been skilfully designed.”

The report said the school was a place where ‘leaders strive to nurture every member of the school’.

The inspection said celebrating pupils’ achievements helps keep the positive learning environment thriving. The school's governors work in partnership with leaders to maintain a clear view of the strategic direction.

“Part of this, is the school’s ‘Christian Values Pathway’ that helps the vision to be accessible to all. The pathway visually represents the school’s values and aims purposefully highlighting what it means to be part of the school.

“Inspired by the Christian vision, the school's curriculum reflects a commitment to nurturing the whole child. It promotes key skills essential for confident and independent learners.”

The development of outdoor spaces, including a woodland area, also emphasised the ‘importance of nature’ in the curriculum.

The school was also said to have strong links with parish church and the building was used to help celebrate events in the Christian calendar. The school participated in the ‘LCC Building Bridges’ project.

The report adds: “Visits from faith leaders representing the Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu communities contribute to a rich and diverse learning experience. As a result of all this, pupils are engaged and enjoy their learning in RE.”

Headteacher Helen Shaw said "We are absolutely delighted with the report which we believe is a true reflection of our happy, caring and welcoming school community.

“Our school motto, 'One school family rooted in God's love', is an integral part of what we do every day here at Higham St. John's. The inspector agreed and highlighted that our Christian vision is 'deeply embedded in all aspects of the school's daily life'."

"Love is at the heart of what we do at our school and the wellbeing of everyone in the school community is our highest priority. Our staff team are amazing and our governors are really supportive. It is a privilege to be the headteacher of Higham St John's and I am so proud of what the school has achieved."

"The report also highlights many positives about our wider curriculum offer to our children and our commitment to nurturing the 'whole child'.

“It was lovely to hear that the children who spoke with the inspector on the day commented on how much they enjoy the learning in our 'skilfully designed' RE curriculum."

"We are a fully inclusive school and everyone in our school community is committed to supporting every child to 'Take one more step - in step with the Spirit' every day."