Children have a number of opportunities to explore aspects of democracy, for example the learn about democratic elections through news items such as political elections. They learn about a majority decision and accept that although their personal preference may not be chosen, the decision is fair. Children are chosen for positions of additional responsibility, such as class monitors and school council, and as a result have further opportunities to develop an understanding of how individuals can influence decision making through a democratic process.

The importance of laws is consistently reinforced at All Saints. A clear behavioural policy is implemented throughout the school. Carefully selected pupil ambassadors and Head Girl/Boys support staff with the guidance of pupils to understand our agreed standards and expectations. Each class has a reward system in place using Class Dojos, stickers and certificates, alongside agreed consequences for not following the rules, linked to a clear and consistent behaviour policy. The children learn to recognise the difference between right and wrong in all aspects of school life and these messages are reinforced through assemblies, visits and visitors to school, including different faith leaders, Police and the Fire Service. Pupils are taught the reasons and values behind rules and laws and that they exist to govern and protect us. Our curriculum supports pupils to understand, through age appropriate activities, the difference between the law of the land and religious law.

Our pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. For example, children in KS1, at times, select their own learning challenge in lessons and are taught to evaluate their own learning and to have high expectations for themselves. Children learn about their rights and personal freedoms through our Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education curriculum, which is underpinned by the SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) programme. Pupils are encouraged to express their own views and to understand that other people are at liberty to hold different views.

Mutual respect and unity is at the heart of our school values. Our School Ambassadors, Head boy/girls set the standards to the youngest of pupils learning how they can demonstrate their respect for other people for example by saying good morning or afternoon to people they meet and by holding doors open to allow others to pass. School council members understand they have responsibilities to model mutual respect and to help other pupils to develop their own. At times staff will eat with the children at lunchtime and use this time to develop respect for each other, a greater understanding and awareness of the pupils lives and interests and to support the development of social skills.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs: We actively promote diversity and tolerance through our curriculum and all aspects of school life. For example, all pupils at some stage will visit a church and a mosque and different faith leaders are regular visitors to school. Children are encouraged to explain to others about their culture and beliefs, for example at Eid and Christmas. Our links with a small, rural schools provide further opportunities for our pupils to develop friendships and learn from each other about different faiths and beliefs. School invites parents to meet key school staff, soon after their child joins a new year group and the meeting is an important element of further establishing positive relationships between home and school. It is also an opportunity to discuss the school’s approach to teaching about different faiths and beliefs and to secure parental support and understanding.

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development permeates all aspects of our curriculum and of school life. We also have focus Enrichment Days, where the whole school takes part in a wide range of activities to enhance the on-going development of SMSC.