The SIAMS Process

Scheduling

Schools will usually be inspected within 5 years. During the post-covid period schools will receive their first inspection within 8 years, then scheduling wil return to a 5 year cycle. 

Schools that have converted to academy status continue to be inspected on the same cycle.

A SIAMS inspection is not linked in any way to a school’s OfSTED inspection timing or grading. This means that SIAMS inspections are scheduled independently of OfSTED section 5 inspections.

On occasion, a school’s SIAMS and Ofsted inspections will be scheduled on the same day, or there may be a no-notice Ofsted inspection once the SIAMS inspection has begun. In such a situation the SIAMS inspection will be rearranged. If a no-notice Ofsted inspection were to commence once the inspector has arrived at the school, the inspector must contact the SIAMS Duty Desk, and the inspection will be rescheduled.

It is for the SIAMS National Team to schedule the inspection date. Once notification of an inspection has been given the inspection will take place within 5 working days.

Notification of Inspection

The National SIAMS team provides a list of schools due inspection in the following academic year during the summer term. This list is available on the SIAMS Website. 

The school receives a phone call from a member of the National SIAMS team usually 5 working days before the inspection is scheduled. This phone call informs the school of the forthcoming inspection and of the name of the inspector. If the executive headteacher/headteacher is not available the person who is in charge of the school on that day will be contacted so that notification is not delayed. A follow-up email will be sent confirming details. The notice period is no more than 5 working days.

The inspector will contact the school shortly after notification (the same or next day). There will be an initial telephone conversation to discuss with the headteacher, or if they are not available the person in charge of the school, key aspects of the inspection process and request any documentation. The documentation should be provided for the inspection within 24 hours of this discussion.

Adjustment or Deferral of a SIAMS inspection

Requesting a SIAMS Deferral – When to Ask and How

There may be circumstances where a school feels it is appropriate to request a deferral of a SIAMS inspection. The SIAMS deferral policy is published on the National Society for Education (NSE) website and sets out the criteria under which a deferral may be considered. All requests are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis and must align closely with this national policy.

If you believe there may be grounds for a deferral, please contact Katrina Carroll, Assistant Director of Education, at kcarroll@chelmsford.anglican.org as the first step. This enables an initial discussion about your individual circumstances and how they align with the deferral criteria. Katrina is also happy to speak directly with SIAMS on your behalf, should this be helpful. We would strongly encourage schools to speak with the Diocese as soon as they become aware that a SIAMS inspection is due and feel a deferral may be necessary. It is particularly helpful for the Diocese to be aware before the school contacts SIAMS directly, as we can advise appropriately and offer immediate diocesan support when the request is made. This early communication helps to streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays.

Please refer to the SIAMS Inspection Deferral Policy 

The Appeals and Complaints Procedure

Any complaint about a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) inspection is a serious matter. The SIAMS Appeals and Complaints Policy addresses concerns raised by schools.