Alfred Sutton
Primary School
Personal development is at the forefront of all we do, in accordance with our ethos: Happy together. Achieving together.
We are a values led school and the Sutton Six, underpinned by British Values, are our bedrock. Every aspect of our personal development provision is rooted in these values. Through these values and a carefully structured and implemented personal development curriculum, we strive to develop the whole child. Our inclusive provision is designed to furnish children with the knowledge and skills to flourish and be positive contributors.
Our overarching personal development intent, working in partnership with families, is for children to:
• Make positive choices that are required to thrive and contribute
• Form emotionally, socially and physically as the best versions of themselves
• Appreciate and celebrate themselves and others
• Receive the strong encouragement and pastoral provison that supports mental wellbeing
The curriculum strands include:
• Relationships and health education (RHE) and spiritual, moral, social and cultural education (SMSC) – including RE lessons and assemblies
“Today’s children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world and living their lives seamlessly on and offline. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities, but also challenges and risks. In this environment, children and young people need to know how to be safe and healthy, and how to manage their academic, personal and social lives in a positive way.” (Secretary of State, RSE and health Education Statutory Guidance, 2020)
• Five ways to wellbeing
We are mindful of the five ways to wellbeing and ensure provision for each is embedded into our culture, ensuring pupils understand the importance of and are taught how to connect, be active, keep learning, take notice and support others.
• Five foundations to build character
The five foundations to build character (as identified in a speech by Damien Hinds when he was Education Secretary in 2019) are also integrated into our school culture.
| The 5 foundations of character development | Examples of our provision |
| Sport | Active fit, PE lessons, in school and off-site sporting activities |
| Creativity | Rich creative curriculum provision, the showcasing of pupils’ art work by our artist in residence |
| Performing | Pupils speak and showcase other curriculum learning in front of others – including small groups, class/ phase and parents |
| Volunteering and membership | Student council, pupil initiatives, school clubs |
| World of work | Pupils learn about different jobs in different fields e.g. British Science Week |
There are many ways in which the five foundations to build character can be relevant outside of school too and we encourage our pupils to take full advantage of all opportunities that present themselves: whether that be participating in sports clubs, drama and theatre clubs, membership organisations such as Scouts or Girl Guides or pursuing creative activities outside of school.
We recognise that there can be many factors affecting the wellbeing of our pupils: through no fault of their own, parents may find situations challenging and feel in need of extra support to secure the best outcomes for children. ASPS employ a dedicated Family Support Worker and we provide emotional support for vulnerable children in small groups and one to one sessions. Where more specialist support would be beneficial, we work alongside local agencies and services.
