As a church school, we deliberately plan for spiritual development by allowing time for these simple things: encouraging increased awareness of the world, its wonders and challenges, finding ways in which this can be reflected on with others’ support, and exploring a range of ways to live out and put the ‘faith’ or convictions that are growing from this, into practice.

Although the following questions and examples may be used within Nursery, please visit the other year group pages too. We understand that each child is an individual and so we provide gentle, respectful challenge, pose our questions and present opportunities related to the age, stage and experience of each individual child. 

Opportunities for children to develop their spirituality weave throughout the curriculum and school life. We thought that you would find it interesting to learn from just a few of the children's experiences and reflections...

In the Nursery, we witnessed a 'wow' moment when an egg hatched, revealing tiny, soft ducklings. As the children gazed in awe at the new life before them, their eyes filled with wonder, a shared sense of marvel spreading through the room. This moment not only captivated them outwardly, sparking their curiosity about nature and growth, but it also invited them to look inward, reflecting on the responsibility and care needed to nurture and protect these fragile beings.

Nursery had a visit from The Farm On Wheels. During the session, Eric initially felt nervous about interacting with the animals, his uncertainty evident as he hesitated. However, as the experience unfolded, something beautiful happened. Gradually, Eric's confidence grew. By the end of the session, he was proudly sitting with a guinea pig on his lap, showing incredible care and gentleness. It was wonderful to see how Eric's curiosity enabled him to have the confidence to be bold and be able to experience the enjoyment of the created world.

During a winter walk, children experienced a sense of wonder and curiosity as they watched ice slowly melt in their hands. This simple, hands-on experience encouraged them to reflect on the changes taking place in the natural world and to ask deeper questions about where the water goes when the ice disappears. Through observing, wondering, and discussing their ideas, children developed an appreciation for the mystery, beauty, and interconnectedness of nature, fostering awe, curiosity, and a growing awareness of the world around them.

While sitting quietly and becoming completely absorbed in a story, the children had the opportunity to connect deeply with a character's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. As they imagined themselves in the character's situation, they develop empathy, compassion, and an understanding of different perspectives. These moments of reflection encouraged children to explore emotions, consider questions about relationships, fairness, and belonging, and make personal connections between the story and their own lives. Through this sense of connection and imagination, children experienced wonder, meaning, and a deeper awareness of themselves and others.