Our Values & Ethos

Our school is a place where children are empowered to explore, learn and grow, rooted in our Christian vision, “We can do all things through Him who strengthens us” (Philippians 4:13). This reminds us that strength, courage and perseverance are nurtured through faith, encouragement and supportive relationships. Guided by our mission, “From small wonders to shining lights,” we believe that every child has the potential to flourish and shine.

Through inspirational teaching, we strive to develop motivated and confident learners with enquiring minds who can question, reflect and express their views respectfully. We inspire courage in learning, perseverance when challenges arise, and responsibility for personal choices. High standards of behaviour reflect our values of respect, trust and forgiveness, helping children to show understanding and care for others.

 

We aim to be like an orchestra, where everyone has a part to play. At times we lead; at others, we support, working together in harmony. Within this inclusive and nurturing community, every child is known, valued and celebrated for their unique gifts.

No child is invisible. We are committed to developing the whole child — academically, intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially — so that all can grow in confidence, character and faith, and shine as lights in the world

                                

 

Our six School Values

Our six school values have been chosen collaboratively by staff, governors and pupils and are rooted in our Christian vision. They reflect the teachings and example of Jesus and shape the culture, relationships and daily life of Tattingstone Primary School:

Perseverance • Courage • Forgiveness • Trust • Respect • Responsibility

These values are explicitly taught and regularly revisited through Collective Worship, where they are explored as part of a structured two-year cycle of twelve Christian values. Pupils engage with Bible stories and Christian teachings to develop an understanding of why these values matter and how they reflect Christian belief.

In line with our Church school identity, pupils are encouraged to reflect on how these values can be lived out in practice — in school, at home and within the wider community. The values are inclusive and accessible to all, supporting pupils of all faiths and none to recognise their own dignity and worth, while understanding the Christian foundations from which the values are drawn.

Our values are closely linked to our school vision and support pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. They promote positive relationships, resilience and responsible behaviour, enabling pupils to flourish as individuals and to contribute positively to the life of the school.

Collective Worship also provides opportunities to recognise and celebrate the impact of the values in action. Weekly values certificates are awarded to pupils who demonstrate these qualities, reinforcing the importance of living out the values. Celebrated pupils are acknowledged through displays in the main school building, helping to embed a shared understanding of Christian values across the community.

Through our values, we support pupils to grow over time from small wonders into shining lights, developing character, confidence and a strong moral foundation as they prepare for their next stage of education.

 

Our values are what we expect to see demonstrated on a daily basis.

Courage

Biblical link: “Be strong and courageous…” (e.g., Joshua 1:9)
What it means for us:

• Courage is not absence of fear but trusting God’s strength (Philippians 4:13) and stepping forward anyway.
• It’s about standing up for what’s right, supporting others, and trying something new even when it feels hard or scary.

Visible in school when pupils and adults:

• Try new learning challenges and don’t give up.
• Speak up for someone who is being excluded.
• Try again after getting something wrong.
• Leaders and staff model courageous decisions in the life of the school.

Link to the Christian Vision: Courage helps small wonders (like a child’s attempt) become shining lights (confidence and action for good).

The words below have been shared by the pupils as to what 'courage' means to them.

Forgiveness

Biblical link: Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness (e.g. the Prodigal Son; Matthew 18).
What it means for us:

• Forgiveness means letting go of hurt, restoring relationships, and giving second chances.

Visible in school when pupils and adults:

• Saying “I’m sorry” and meaning it.
• Welcoming people back into friendship after conflict.
• Moving on rather than holding grudges.
• Adults offering ‘fresh start’ opportunities to learners.

Link to the Christian Vision: Forgiveness turns small moments of hurt into shining moments of peace and reconciliation.

The words below have been shared by the pupils as to what 'forgiveness' means to them.

Perseverance

Biblical link: “Let perseverance finish its work…” (James 1:4) and Philippians 4:13 — strength through God.
What it means for us:

• Perseverance is staying with something until the end, even when it’s hard.

Visible in school when pupils and adults:

• Trying again after a mistake rather than giving up.
• Celebrating effort as well as outcomes.
• Supporting one another through longer tasks and projects.
• Adults model resilience and talk about learning from challenges.

Link to the Christian Vision: Perseverance turns small efforts into shining achievement and resilience.

The words below have been shared by the pupils as to what 'perseverance' means to them.

Respect

Biblical link: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12) — love your neighbour.
What it means for us:

• Respect is treating people, places, opinions and differences with value and dignity.

Visible in school when pupils and adults:

• Listening to each other without interrupting.
• Taking care of property, classrooms and the environment.
• Acknowledging and celebrating difference and diversity.

Link to the Christian Vision: Respect turns noticing others (a small wonder) into shining community life where everyone belongs.

The words below have been shared by the pupils as to what 'respect' means to them.

  

Responsibility

Biblical link: “…each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” (1 Peter 4:10)
What it means for us:

• Responsibility means doing what we are called to do — for ourselves, for others, and for God’s world.

Visible in school when pupils and adults:

• Pupils take responsibility for classroom jobs, eco‑projects, reading buddies.
• Adults model ownership of actions and decisions.
• Shared leadership (school council, worship ambassadors) empowers pupils.

Link to the Christian Vision: Responsibility turns small roles into shining leadership and service.

The words below have been shared by the pupils as to what 'responsibility' means to them.

Trust

Biblical link: Trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5)
What it means for us:

• Trust is relying on God and each other, building safe, dependable relationships.

Visible in school when pupils and adults:

• Children feel safe to express ideas knowing they will be heard.
• Adults make themselves available as trusted supporters and mentors.
• Staff and pupils keep promises and are consistent in care and behaviour.

Link to the Christian Vision: Trust turns small acts of faith into shining confidence — knowing we are held by God and each other.

The words below have been shared by the pupils as to what 'trust' means to them.