Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC)

At Lime Tree Primary Academy, SMSC underpins everything we do. We recognise that the personal development of the children, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally plays a significant role in their ability to learn and to grow into well-rounded members of society.

By integrating SMSC into the life of our school, we aim to develop a sense of society, tolerance and collaboration that tackles prejudice and promotes equality. We aim to teach children to make sense of the world we live in, how to interact positively with others, how to know themselves and the person they may become in the future. The opportunity to be aspirational in how they can contribute to society and to have an awareness of current and topical issues.

Learning is relevant to our children, school and locality and a broader understanding of the world, beyond their locality is explored. This will be done formally; through taught lessons, informally; through providing activities and experiences and through the hidden curriculum/ ethos as displayed through the expectations, relationships and attitudes of everybody in school.  Our rich and varied curriculum provides the opportunity to celebrate difference and diversity, have an understanding of moral obligations in life and to develop an awareness of influential and inspiring figures in religions and society from the past and to today. We aim to instill a sense of pride in being part of the Lime Tree community and in the school as a building where all can learn and belong. Our learning environment is bright, relevant and well cared for. Our children feel safe and cared for. School council means the children have a say in changes that are made. Many visitors to our school comment on the positive ethos and welcoming atmosphere. We believe that the behaviour, manners, and attitudes of our pupils is a real strength.

SMSC gold quality mark

Lime Tree Primary Academy has been awarded the SMSC gold quality mark award for demonstrating excellence in Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC), the over-arching umbrella that encompasses personal development across the whole curriculum.

Strong evidence shows that promoting SMSC in schools can contribute to raising academic standards and improving children’s life chances.

A number of SMSC-related strengths were highlighted to LTPA during the verification visit including:

• SMSC is embedded throughout the curriculum
• The school’s values underpin all decision making
• The school has a strong focus on children and staff wellbeing
• ‘Zen Zones’ have been created throughout the school
• Photographs of the wellbeing ambassadors are prominently displayed
• The school provides a rich curriculum including plenty of opportunities for outdoor learning, including Forest School

British Values

The Department for Education has introduced a statutory duty for schools to promote British Values more actively, and to ensure they are taught in schools.

At Lime Tree Primary Academy we are committed to serving our community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. We also understand the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

We follow equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. Our school is dedicated to preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal, examined curriculum and ensure that we promote and reinforce British values to all our students.

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.

The five key British Values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Our school uses strategies within the curriculum and beyond, to secure such outcomes for students. The examples that follow show some of the many ways that Lime Tree Primary Academy seeks to instil British Values.

Democracy

• Pupil Leadership – making decisions on a regular basis re: policies, child-friendly safeguarding information, behaviour system, involved in the interview process, fundraising events etc.
• Pupil surveys include questions such as ‘How could we make the school better?’ Ask the children if we need to add different questions to really move our school forwards.
• Bi-annual parent questionnaires
• Parent forum to gauge parental opinion, e.g. regarding the impact of Link Learning, most appropriate timing for concerts, parent consultation meetings etc.
• Governor involvement in decision making process.
• Democracy is taught through the curriculum. Pupil voice has an influence upon much that goes on or is decided, within our school.
• Pupils are given the opportunity to give their viewpoint throughout the curriculum daily; they are invited to listen to alternative viewpoints and accept/respect that there may be differences.
• Agreement of Class Rules annually.
• Voting by the children for Pupil Leadership/Ambassador positions.

The Rule Of Law

•  Strong behaviour system in place, which has been developed with the pupils.
•  Class rules are established with pupils and referred to daily.
•  Strong relationship/regular contact with local PCSO and other lead community members.
•  Working with Trafford to discuss and be proactive about local community issues
•  Home/School Agreement

Individual Liberty

• Strong behaviour policy based on rights and responsibilities.
• Anti-bullying policy.
• Open and honest culture
• Open door policy for parents/ carers to discuss worries or concerns.
• Strong pastoral team to support friendship issues / any issues that individuals may need support with.

Mutual Respect

• Peer marking – offer suggestions to each other, in a sensitive and constructive way to support moving their work forward.
• Cross Class communication of achievements (classes of different ages are involved and part of other classes learning)

Tolerance Of Those Of Different Faiths And Beliefs

•  Celebration & integration into the curriculum about other faiths/beliefs.
•  Specific events held in school to celebrate other cultures.
•  Encouraged to share faiths and beliefs within school such as fasting, leave for religious observance is granted etc