SMSC & British Values

SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development)

The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools ensure that SMSC is ‘at the heart’ of our Early Years curriculum. We embed a broad range of experiences, provision and learning opportunities to develop children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding.  These experiences encourage all children to think about the kind of people we aspire to be, the kind of world we aspire to create and the kind of accomplishments we want to achieve.

What is SMSC?

SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. 

Spiritual: explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.

Moral: recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.

Social: investigate moral issues; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the fundamental values of British democracy.

Cultural: appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development is the overarching umbrella that encompasses children’s personal development across the whole curriculum.

This is how we support and develop children's SMSC at Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools:

British Values

We promote the fundamental British Values through our SMSC curriculum.

These Values are:

• democracy,
• the rule of law,
• individual liberty,
• and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs