Vision and Values

What OFSTED said:

'The governing body and school leaders have an aligned vision that focuses on developing the whole child, as well as academic success. The school’s core values are known and understood. Pupils and staff live by these each day. For example, the values of responsibility, trust and love are shown daily to Joey the school dog. Pupils and staff take great delight in helping to look after Joey and value the contribution he makes to their school experience. The restorative approach to pupils’ behaviour means that pupils learn from their mistakes and incidents are resolved. This results in pupils showing understanding and kindness to one another. Pupils develop an understanding that everyone has the right to be treated equally and with respect. Diversity is celebrated and pupils are valued for who they are.'

'There are clear expectations for pupils’ behaviour. In lessons, pupils are focused on their learning. At breaktimes, they enjoy the activities available to them and play happily.'

The governors and staff continue to drive the vision of creating a safe, happy and respectful learning environment where everyone is encouraged to do their best.

Our character development is based on five principles:

• Instilling and promoting values. The school's golden rule of 'Respect' and core values of Trust, Love, Cooperation, Diversity, Resilience and Responsibility are the foundations we build upon to strengthen our children’s character.
• Grow morally and develop life skills to be successful citizens who make a positive contribution to this world. As a school, our values run through a broad and balanced curriculum designed to promote the children’s moral growth and develop their life skills. Being a school with Eco-credentials with distinction, we are a beacon in the community teaching our children to be climate change champions. We have embedded sustainability into our curriculum and showing our community that our children care for the world around them.
• A meaningful and challenging academic curriculum that respects all learners, empowering children to develop character and helping them succeed. At Downsview, children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and try their hardest to achieve their best.
• Relationships between the school, parents and the community. We strive to find every opportunity to foster caring and positive relationships with parents/carers and the wider community through our FOD events and whole school activities.
• Self-reflection – To be reflective is a vital skill to have for personal growth; therefore, we endeavour to teach children to be thoughtful, to evaluate and assess themselves; whilst at the same time, as staff, we regularly reflect on our own practice, in order to give the children, the best possible opportunities.  

Our 6 Core Values

‘Values’ are the long-term underlying principles used in deciding what is morally right and to help guide us in making right choices. We believe that if the values education underpins everything we do, then it will not only enhance the quality teaching and learning, but will support the children to make a positive contribution to the development of a fair, just and civil society.