What is SIAMS?

SIAMS is the system of inspection employed by the National Society, on behalf of the Church of England and the Methodist Church, to fulfil their legal obligations under section 48 of the 2005 Education Act. 

As such, it makes judgements on religious education, collective worship and pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) education in Church of England and Methodist schools. 

Purpose and focus of SIAMS inspections

SIAMS inspection focusses on the impact of the Church school's Christian vision on pupils and adults. This involves looking at the school’s Christian vision, the provision the school makes because of this vision and how effective this provision is in enabling all pupils to flourish. 

SIAMS inspectors will explore, with school and trust leaders, how they understand the specific context of the school, and whether they know how to respond to it theologically. Local, diocesan, and national expertise will help school and trust leaders to explore this, so that they can be confident in answering three key questions:

1. Who are we as a school?

2. What are we doing here?

3. How, then, shall we live and learn together?