Introduction
Nishkam Nursery promotes a Sikh ethos, in a multicultural and sensitive curriculum, by example and direct teaching. We recognise that not all of our members will be practising Sikhs and therefore we cater for all
We recognise that the personal development of children’s, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve.
We therefore aim to provide an education that provides children with opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour, a positive caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of other cultures.
The curriculum areas have a contribution to make to the child's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and opportunities for this will be planned in each area of the curriculum.
The integrity and spirituality of children from other faith backgrounds will be respected and explored. The diversity of spiritual traditions will be recognised, and children will be given access to alternative views.
In order to maintain integrity we implement the SACRE 24 dispositions into our daily planning and curriculum. The dispositions cover creativity, compassion, choice, community, commitment, and overall contemplation. These values enrich our lives in order to create a harmonious and inclusive society.
All adults will model and promote expected behaviour, treating all people as unique and valuable individuals and showing respect for children and their families.
The nursery community will be a place where children can find acceptance for themselves as unique individuals, and where forgiveness and the opportunity to start again is fundamental to the ethos of the setting.
Children should learn to differentiate between right and wrong in as far as their actions affect other people. They will be encouraged to value themselves and others.
Children should understand the need for rules and the need to abide by rules for the good of everyone. Nursery and classroom rules should reflect, reiterate, promote and reward acceptable behaviour and provide opportunities to celebrate children’s work and achievements.
The curriculum areas should seek to use illustrations and examples drawn from as wide a range of cultural contexts as possible. This will be reflected in teacher's planning and purchasing decisions.
General Aims
- To ensure that everyone connected with the nursery is aware of our values and principles.
- To ensure a consistent approach to the delivery of SMSC through the curriculum and the general life of the nursery.
- To ensure that a children's education is set within a context that is meaningful and appropriate to their age, aptitude and background.
- To ensure that children know what is expected of them and why.
- To give each child a range of opportunities to reflect upon and discuss their beliefs, feelings and responses to personal experience.
- To enable children to develop an understanding of their individual and group identity.
- To enable children to begin to develop an understanding of their social and cultural environment and an appreciation of the many cultures that now enrich our society.
- To give each child the opportunity to explore social and moral issues and develop a sense of social and moral responsibility.
Spiritual Development
As a nursery we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable children to:
- Sustain their self-esteem in their learning experience.
- Develop their capacity for critical and independent thought.
- Foster their emotional life and express their feelings.
- Experience moments of stillness and reflection.
- Discuss their beliefs, feelings, values and responses to personal experiences.
- Form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships.
- Reflect on, consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life.
- Recognise and reflect on approaches to Spiritual Development.
Moral development
As a nursery we aim to provide learning opportunities that will enable children to:
- Recognise the unique value of each individual.
- Recognise the challenge of our curriculum.
- Listen and respond appropriately to the views of others.
- Gain the confidence to cope with setbacks and learn from mistakes.
- Take initiative and act responsibly with consideration for others.
- Distinguish between right and wrong.
- Show respect for the environment.
- Make informed and independent judgments.
Social Development
As a nursery we aim to promote opportunities that will enable children to:
- Develop an understanding of their individual and group identity.
- Learn about service in the nursery and wider community.
- Begin to understand our imperative for social justice and a concern for the disadvantaged.
Cultural Development
As a nursery we aim to promote opportunities that will enable children to:
- Recognise the value and richness of cultural diversity in Britain, and how these influence individuals and society.
- Recognise individual children’s backgrounds and personal beliefs.
- Develop an understanding of their social and cultural environment.
- Develop an understanding of Britain's local, national, European, Commonwealth and global dimensions.
Teaching and Organisation
Development in SMSC will take place across the curriculum, within activities that encourage children to recognise the spiritual dimension of their learning, reflect on the significance of what they are learning, and to recognise any challenges that there may be to their own attitude and lifestyle.
The curriculum areas should seek illustrations and examples drawn from as wide a range of cultural contexts as possible.
Discussions and circle time will give children opportunities to:
- Talk about personal experiences and feelings.
- Express and clarify their own ideas and beliefs.
- Speak about difficult events, e.g. bullying, death etc.
- Share thoughts and feelings with other people.
- Explore relationships with friends/family/others.
- Consider others’ needs and behaviour.
- Show empathy.
- Develop self-esteem and a respect for others.
- Develop a sense of belonging.
- Develop the skills and attitudes that enable children to develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally — e.g. empathy, respect, open mindedness, sensitivity and critical awareness.
- Many curriculum areas provide opportunities to:
- Listen and talk to each other.
- Learn an awareness of treating all as equals.
- Agree and disagree.
- Take turns and share equipment.
- Work cooperatively and collaboratively.
Links with the wider community
Visitors are welcomed into nursery.
Links with the Gurdwara and other places of worship are fostered through selfless service in which the children partake.
The development of a strong home-school link is regarded as very important, enabling parents and teachers to work in an effective partnership to support the children.
Children will be taught to appreciate their local environment and to develop a sense of responsibility to it.
Updated April 2019
