| “Living with Courage, Leading with Love.” “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 At Clehonger Primary School, our Christian ethos and values guide how our children learn, treat one another, and grow into thoughtful, responsible, and compassionate citizens in modern British society. |
Fostering Confidence, Respect, and Belonging in Modern Britain
Preparing our children for life in modern Britain means equipping them with the personal qualities, moral compass, and practical understanding needed to flourish in a diverse society. At Clehonger C of E Primary School and Little Gems Pre-School, this preparation is not an isolated subject taught once a term; it is woven into the very fabric of our school family.
Our school fosters a warm, happy, and caring environment where every child from our youngest learners in Little Gems Pre-School to our Year 6 leaders in Emerald Class is encouraged to be kind, courageous, and confident. We believe every child is full of potential and deserves every opportunity to succeed—both inside the classroom and in the wider world.
This guide explains how our school promotes Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development alongside Fundamental British Values, showing what this looks like in your child’s daily school life and how you can support these conversations at home.
Nurturing the Whole Child: SMSC Development
SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural development. It represents our commitment to educating the whole child—ensuring their hearts, minds, and character grow alongside their academic progress. Here is how each strand comes to life in our classrooms, hall, and outdoor learning grounds:
| Dimension | What It Means for Your Child | Everyday Examples at Clehonger |
| Spiritual Development | Developing curiosity about the world, reflecting on beliefs and values, appreciating awe and wonder, and exploring meaning in life. | • Collective worship and moments of quiet reflection • Forest School and outdoor enrichment exploring nature • Creative arts, music, and class discussions • Exploring personal identity and Christian values of love and hope |
| Moral Development | Recognising right from wrong, understanding consequences, respecting ethical principles, and developing personal integrity. | • Clear and compassionate school rules based on self-control and kindness • Restorative behaviour approaches encouraging empathy • Celebration Assemblies (Stars of the Week) recognising moral courage • Discussing fairness, honesty, and safety in online and offline spaces |
| Social Development | Building positive relationships, working cooperatively, resolving conflicts constructively, and contributing to the wider community. | • Collaborative learning in Diamond, Topaz, Ruby, and Emerald classes • Harvest Week food drives supporting the ‘Food for Families’ initiative • Sporting teamwork in TAG rugby tournaments and sports sessions • School clubs, Wrap Around Care, and community events with the PTA |
| Cultural Development | Appreciating one’s own heritage, celebrating cultural diversity, respecting different traditions, and engaging with the arts and literature. | • Studying stories, history, and traditions from Britain and across the globe • Educational visits, including Queenswood nature expeditions • Marking national celebrations, cultural festivals, and Remembrance • Rich reading curriculum exposing children to varied perspectives |
Living Out Fundamental British Values Every Day
The Department for Education emphasises fundamental British values: Democracy, the Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, and Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs. At Clehonger, we present these values in child-friendly ways that resonate with our motto, “Living with Courage, Leading with Love.”
Democracy: Making Decisions Together
We teach our children that their voices matter and that listening to others is essential. Through pupil voice, class voting, and school council “RotaKid Rangers” discussions, pupils learn how democratic processes function in practice. Children discover that democracy involves expressing views respectfully, debating ideas constructively, and accepting outcomes even when their personal choice was not the winner.
The Rule of Law: Safety, Fairness, and Trust
Rules and laws exist to protect us, promote fairness, and allow a community to thrive. From our youngest learners in Little Gems to Year 6, children co-create classroom charters and understand the purpose behind school boundaries. We also explore the rule of law through sportsmanship on the pitch, following fair play in PE, and learning robust digital safety and E-Safety practices to stay safe online.
Individual Liberty: Freedom with Responsibility
Rooted in 2 Timothy 1:7 (“a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”), we encourage our children to make informed, independent choices. Pupils are empowered to express their individuality, take pride in their talents, and develop resilience. Our Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) and wellbeing initiatives ensure children feel safe to speak up, ask for help, and navigate challenges with confidence.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance: Celebrating Our Differences
As a welcoming Church of England primary school, love and respect are central to our daily interactions. We actively celebrate diversity, teaching children that every person possesses inherent dignity. Through our Religious Education (RE) curriculum, assemblies, and collaborative projects, children learn about Christian traditions alongside other major world religions and worldviews, preparing them to engage with people of all backgrounds.
British Values and How You Can Reinforce Them at Home
| British Value | How We Live It at School | Ways to Talk About It at Home |
| Democracy | Class voting on activities and story choices; Pupil Voice councils; electing peer representatives; debating current issues in upper years. | Involve children in family choices (such as picking a weekend walk or family meal); discuss why voting is fair and how everyone gets a say. |
| The Rule of Law | Consistent classroom expectations; understanding safety rules in Forest School and sports; learning digital citizenship and E-Safety. | Explain why family and road safety rules matter; discuss consequences calmly; highlight fair play when playing board games or sports. |
| Individual Liberty | Encouraging personal interests, choice of reading books, extra-curricular clubs, and building self-regulation with ELSA support. | Praise independent decisions; encourage children to express feelings safely; talk about standing up for others who need support. |
| Mutual Respect & Tolerance | Weekly Celebration Assemblies celebrating kind acts; learning about diverse faiths and cultures; zero tolerance for discrimination. | Model respectful curiosity about different cultures and faiths; talk about how differences make our community richer and more interesting. |
Working in Close Partnership with Parents and Carers
A child’s values, confidence, and character are nurtured most effectively when home and school work in close harmony. We warmly encourage all families to engage with our school life through our many shared experiences:
- Weekly Celebration Assemblies: Join us on Friday mornings at 9:00 am as we celebrate our ‘Stars of the Week’ and honour children who demonstrate our core values of courage, kindness, and effort.
- School Newsletters & Updates: Read our monthly newsletters and class updates to stay informed about curriculum themes, charitable drives, and school milestones.
- Charitable and Community Events: Support our seasonal community projects, such as our Harvest Week collection for ‘Food for Families’, illustrating social responsibility in action.
- PTA & School Life: Participate in PTA disco evenings, open weeks, and Show&Share workshops that bring families and staff together in fun, supportive settings.
- Open Communication & Support: Our doors are always open. If you ever have questions regarding our curriculum, your child’s emotional wellbeing, or pastoral needs (including ELSA and Early Help support), please reach out to your child’s class teacher or our leadership team.
