At St Thomas of Canterbury Church of England Primary School, our Christian vision underpins everything we do:

"Let all that you do be done in love."
1 Corinthians 16:14

Guided by our vision of Curious Minds, Caring Hearts, Courageous Spirits, we nurture children to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually within a loving Christian community.

As a Church of England school, we believe that every person is uniquely created and deeply valued by God. Our Christian values of Love, Community, Curiosity, Bravery and Resilience encourage children to become compassionate, responsible citizens who contribute positively to both their local community and the wider world.

The Department for Education requires schools to actively promote the fundamental British Values of:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

These values are not taught in isolation but are woven throughout our curriculum, collective worship, relationships and everyday school life.

Democracy

We believe every voice matters.

Children are encouraged to express their opinions respectfully and to understand that everyone has the right to be heard. Our School Council members are democratically elected and work alongside staff to help shape aspects of school life, ensuring that pupils play an active role in decision-making. Through classroom discussions, pupil leadership opportunities and collaborative learning, children learn how to listen carefully, debate thoughtfully and make decisions together.

The Rule of Law

Our Christian vision teaches us that rules help communities to flourish by protecting everyone and enabling us to live well together.

Children develop an understanding of why rules and laws are important, both within school and in wider society. At the start of each year, classes create shared expectations based on kindness, respect and responsibility. Through our behaviour curriculum, collective worship, PSHE, visits from organisations such as the Police and Fire Service, and everyday interactions, children learn that rules bring fairness, safety and security, and that our choices have consequences.

Individual Liberty

We believe that every child is a unique individual, created in the image of God and encouraged to develop their gifts and talents.

Children are supported to make responsible choices within a safe, nurturing environment. They are encouraged to develop independence, resilience and confidence while recognising the importance of respecting the rights and freedoms of others. Through PSHE, Relationships Education, online safety and our wider curriculum, pupils learn how to make informed, safe and responsible decisions.

Mutual Respect

Respect lies at the heart of our Christian vision and values.

We encourage children to recognise the dignity and worth of every individual, treating one another with kindness, compassion and forgiveness. Positive relationships between pupils, staff, families, the church and the wider community help create a strong sense of belonging where everyone is welcomed, valued and supported to flourish.

Tolerance and Respect for Different Faiths and Beliefs

As a Church of England school, we celebrate the richness and diversity of God's world.

Although our local community is relatively small, we intentionally provide opportunities for children to learn about a wide range of faiths, cultures and worldviews through Religious Education, collective worship and the wider curriculum. Children are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, challenge stereotypes and appreciate the beliefs, traditions and experiences of others with openness and respect.

Living Our Values

Our approach to British Values is rooted in our Christian vision and reflected through our spirituality model of Looking In, Looking Out and Looking Up.

• Looking In helps children develop self-awareness, responsibility and integrity.

• Looking Out encourages kindness, service, respect and active participation in our communities.
• Looking Up invites children to explore faith, hope, purpose and the values that shape a flourishing society.

Together, these principles help our children become thoughtful, courageous and compassionate young people who are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where discrimination, prejudice and extremist views are challenged appropriately. Every member of our school community is encouraged to live out our Christian values through love, respect and service to others.

At St Thomas of Canterbury Church of England Primary School, we are proud to nurture children who are curious in their learning, caring in their relationships and courageous in their actions, equipping them to make a positive difference in God's world.

We pride ourselves in being a warm and supportive school producing globally-aware citizens who are rounded, inclusive and thoughtful.