SIAMS
Monday 24th February 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
I am thrilled to share the outcome of our recent SIAMS inspection, which took place just before half term. There are many strengths highlighted throughout the report, and we are proud that our only area for further development is to share our good practice with others so our vision can have an even greater impact.
We are delighted that the inspector recognised how our vision is lived out in everything we do, with our values and The Barrow Way clearly evident in how staff and children treat one another.
The report beautifully highlights this, stating that “strong and affirming relationships bring a tangible warmth to this growing community. Expressed as doing things the Barrow Way, respect and kindness embrace adults and pupils equally. There is an advanced understanding of justice and the rights of the individual that enhances harmony within the school and beyond.” This perfectly captures the ethos we work so hard to nurture at Barrow and reflects the positive relationships that make our school so special.
We were also delighted that the inspector recognised the breadth and depth of opportunities we provide for our children. The report notes that “carefully considered programmes of planned learning and an expansive array of extra-curricular activities nurture and excite pupils. They support their academic, social, emotional, and spiritual needs and encourage pupils to reach their God-given potential and flourish. This is especially true for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), or who are vulnerable or disadvantaged.”
We are incredibly proud of our school—not only for our academic achievements, which continue to be above both Lancashire and national results—but equally for how we nurture the whole child. We are passionate about our vision that children leave us with our school values instilled in them, ready to make a positive contribution to the world around them.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing staff and governors for their hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in The Barrow Way with a special mention to Mrs Cox our RE lead for her work towards this inspection. To our families—thank you for your continued support, kindness, and generosity. The extra-curricular opportunities we offer, which the inspector so clearly valued, simply wouldn’t be possible without the contributions and involvement of our wonderful parents. And of course, a huge thank you to the stars of our school—our fantastic children—who make me proud every single day!
In this tapestry of effort, my role as Headteacher is but one thread among many. It is the harmony of our efforts, the dedication of each person within our school family, that creates the beautiful picture we see today. I am ever mindful that leadership is about service, and in this role, I am honoured to serve alongside such a committed team.
Once again, thank you. May we all look forward to the continued success and development of our children and school family.
Kind Regards,
Nicola McArdle
Headteacher