Personal Development
Personal Development at Ashton Hayes Primary School
Rooted in our Community. Prepared for the Wider World.
Our Vision
At Ashton Hayes Primary School, we believe that education is about far more than academic success. We are committed to developing kind, confident, resilient and responsible young people who are well prepared for life in modern Britain and beyond.
As a small rural primary school in Cheshire, our children benefit from growing up within a close-knit, supportive community. We value this deeply and place great importance on helping pupils develop a strong sense of belonging, pride in their community and an understanding of their local environment.
At the same time, we recognise that many of our pupils have relatively limited day-to-day exposure to the diversity of people, places, beliefs and experiences that make up modern Britain and our wider world. Our Personal Development curriculum is therefore intentionally designed to broaden children's horizons, helping them develop the knowledge, experiences and values that will enable them to thrive within an increasingly diverse and interconnected society.
Everything we do is underpinned by our whole-school golden thread:
Be Kind
Kindness is not simply an expectation of behaviour; it is the foundation upon which our curriculum, relationships and community are built. We teach children that kindness, respect, empathy and responsibility should influence every decision they make and every interaction they have.
Through a carefully planned programme of curriculum experiences, enrichment opportunities and leadership responsibilities, we help every child to Aspire to be Amazing academically, socially and personally.
Character Development
We believe that children develop character through challenge, reflection and opportunity.
Across school, pupils are encouraged to develop:
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resilience
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independence
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confidence
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perseverance
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teamwork
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leadership
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responsibility
Our use of the Learning Pit encourages children to understand that learning often involves challenge and productive struggle. Through reflection and metacognition, pupils develop resilience and confidence as learners.
Forest School provides regular opportunities for pupils to solve problems, work collaboratively, manage risk appropriately and develop confidence through outdoor learning.
Residential visits further develop independence, teamwork and resilience whilst creating lasting memories and friendships.
Keeping Safe
Keeping children safe is one of the defining strengths of our Personal Development curriculum.
Pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and confidence to recognise risks, make informed decisions and seek help when needed.
Our programme includes:
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NSPCC safeguarding workshops
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Fire Safety education
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Police visits
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Canal & River Trust water safety education
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Crucial Crew
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Online safety
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Road safety
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Safe relationships
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Health and wellbeing education through SCARF
Children leave Ashton Hayes with a strong understanding of how to keep themselves physically, emotionally and digitally safe.
Leadership and Citizenship
We believe children should have genuine opportunities to influence their school community.
Pupils develop leadership through:
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Pupil Parliament
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House Captains
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Buddy System
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Charity Committees
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Playground leadership opportunities
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Whole-school fundraising organised by pupils
Rather than simply participating, pupils are encouraged to identify causes they care about, organise events and make meaningful contributions to their local and global communities.
Understanding the Wider World
Our curriculum is intentionally designed to broaden children's understanding beyond their immediate experiences.
This is achieved through:
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No Outsiders assemblies promoting equality, inclusion and the protected characteristics
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Religious Education exploring Christianity alongside other faiths and worldviews
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Diverse literature across the curriculum
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Week of Languages
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History and Geography that deliberately broaden children's horizons
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Cultural celebrations
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Theatre visits
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Museums
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Visitors from a wide range of backgrounds and professions
These experiences help children develop empathy, challenge stereotypes and appreciate the richness and diversity of modern Britain.
Creativity and Cultural Capital
We believe every child deserves rich cultural experiences.
Pupils regularly participate in:
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Young Voices
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Bound in Sound at Chester Cathedral
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Whole-school musical productions
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Rock Kidz
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Art exhibitions within the local community
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Community events including Carols in the Forest
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Educational visits
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Careers Carnival
These opportunities inspire pupils, develop confidence and provide experiences that many children may not otherwise encounter.
Health and Wellbeing
Physical and emotional wellbeing are central to school life.
Children benefit from:
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Daily Mile
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Active playtimes
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Gold School Games Award provision
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Forest School
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Swimming
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PE enrichment
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SCARF PSHE curriculum
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Positive mental health education
We encourage every child to understand the importance of healthy lifestyles and lifelong physical activity.
Community
We are proud to be part of the Ashton Hayes community.
Children regularly contribute to village life through:
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church services
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community art displays
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Carols in the Forest
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charity work
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family lunches
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local partnerships
These experiences help children develop a sense of belonging whilst recognising the importance of contributing positively to their community.
British Values
British Values are not taught in isolation but are woven throughout every aspect of school life.
Children experience democracy through pupil leadership and decision making, understand the rule of law through shared expectations and restorative approaches, develop individual liberty through growing independence and responsibility, and demonstrate mutual respect and tolerance through our Be Kind ethos, No Outsiders curriculum and Religious Education.
The Impact
Children leave Ashton Hayes Primary School as kind, respectful and confident young people who understand themselves, value others and are prepared to play an active role in modern Britain.
They leave with the confidence to embrace new experiences, the resilience to overcome challenges and the curiosity to continue learning throughout their lives.
Most importantly, they leave understanding that whilst they are rooted within the unique community of Ashton Hayes, they are also citizens of a diverse and ever-changing world, equipped with the knowledge, values and character to make a positive difference wherever life takes them.