Littletown Junior Infant & Nursery School

SMSC

As part of our delivery of personal development and curriculum learning, Littletown Junior Infant Nursery School incorporates Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development for each and every pupil. This is not a separate explicitly taught subject but an aspect of learning present in everything we teach and promote (including fundamental British Values). Some lessons lend themselves more easily to direct SMSC development such as RE and PSHE learning, assemblies and celebrations but features of SMSC can be found throughout all curriculum areas and within individual personal development of each child.

Please see our SMSC policy and progression of mapped outcomes below:

SMSC Progressive mapping of outcomes

SMSC policy

What is SMSC?

Each aspect of spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development:

Spiritual development:

Ability to be reflective about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspective on life
Knowledge of, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings and values
Sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them
Use of imagination and creativity in their learning
Willingness to reflect on their experiences

Moral development:

Ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and to readily apply this understanding in their own lives, and to recognise legal boundaries and, in doing so, respect the civil and criminal law of England
Understanding of the consequences of their behaviour and actions
Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues

Social development:

Use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example, working and socialising with other pupils, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
Willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively
Acceptance of and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. They will develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain

Cultural development:

Understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others
Understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures in the school and further afield as an essential element of their preparation for life in modern Britain
Ability to recognise, and value, the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities
Knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain
Willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities
Interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and cultural diversity and the extent to which they understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity. This is shown by their respect and attitudes towards different religious, ethnic and socio-economic groups in the local, national and global communities

What might SMSC look like at Littletown JIN School:

Spiritual

Moral

Social

Cultural

We provide a safe, positive environment for children to share their beliefs and opinions regularly, discuss their interests and show respect for different people’s feelings and values – these may be religious or personal. Children have weekly RE and PSHE lessons and watch the news to discuss current topical issues.

Children are given lots of opportunities to use their imagination and creativity in their play and learning as well as moments of reflection.

Children develop their moral understanding through a range of lessons where they may be given a scenario or problem to examine and discuss. They can share their thoughts and reasoned opinions and show their understanding of right and wrong and what consequences may be suitable to that scenario or topical issue. Through PSHE, RE, news or book-led learning, children can build up their understanding to make an informed and independent judgement.

We have a wide variety of opportunities for social development in school including, group work, play and practical based learning, reading champions, buddy benches, interventions to support social skills needs as well as employing restorative practice to repair friendships when needed. Through lessons, children can show interest in and learn about local communities and societies and decide which are appropriate for them.

The cultural development of our children is encouraged and supported through PSHE and RE lessons; understanding different cultures including the texts we study; themed weeks and in welcoming and accepting the cultural beliefs of everyone in our school community. All curriculum areas should seek illustrations and examples drawn from as wide a range of cultural contexts as possible. We recognise, respect and celebrate the value and richness of cultural diversity in Britain, and how these influence individuals and society.

Evidence where SMSC may be found (though this list is not exhaustive):