Personal Development

At Kiveton Park Infant School, we are committed to ensuring that every child feels happy, safe, valued and ready to learn. We believe that personal development is just as important as academic achievement and forms the foundation for children to thrive both in school and beyond.

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Our aim is to nurture confident, resilient and caring children who have the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become positive members of their community. Through a rich range of experiences, we help children develop independence, curiosity, kindness and a love of learning from the very start of their educational journey.

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Together we:

• Provide a happy, safe and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and develops a strong sense of belonging.

• Promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing for all children and staff.

• Create an inclusive culture where every child is encouraged to achieve their very best.

• Help children develop confidence, independence and resilience through a broad range of learning experiences.

• Encourage children to become respectful, caring and responsible members of their school and wider community.

• Foster curiosity about the world and inspire children to become lifelong learners.

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We want every child to leave Kiveton Park Infant School feeling confident, proud of their achievements and ready for the next stage of their education.

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Why Personal Development Matters

We believe that children learn best when they feel happy, secure and valued. Personal development helps children to understand themselves and others, manage their emotions, build positive relationships and make good choices.

Through our curriculum and wider opportunities, children learn important life skills including:

• Emotional literacy and self-regulation

• Communication and listening skills

• Teamwork and cooperation

• Problem-solving and resilience

• Independence and responsibility

• Respect for themselves and others

We work closely with families and the wider community to ensure that all children have opportunities to develop their confidence, aspirations and understanding of the world around them.

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Our Personal Development Curriculum

Personal development is woven throughout school life and is a key part of everything we do.

Children benefit from:

• Regular Personal Development and wellbeing activities

• High-quality PSHE and Relationships Education lessons

• Opportunities for learning through play and exploration

• Visits, workshops and enrichment experiences

• Reading opportunities that promote discussion, empathy and understanding

• Assemblies and celebration events

• Participation in special theme days and charity events

• After-school activities

How Personal Development Is Taught

Personal development is taught through a combination of:

• PSHE

• Relationships Education (RSE)

• British Values

• School rules and expectations

• Safeguarding education

• Online safety

• Emotional wellbeing activities

• Everyday experiences across the curriculum

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To complement this learning, children also take part in:

• Daily assemblies and collective worship

• Circle times and class discussions

• Mindfulness and emotional regulation activities

• Learning through stories and role play

• Educational visits and visitors

• Opportunities to take responsibility within school

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Topics We Explore

Children develop their understanding through age-appropriate learning about:

• Feelings and emotions

• Healthy lifestyles and physical wellbeing

• Friendships and positive relationships

• Kindness, respect and inclusion

• Keeping safe at home, school and online

• Rights, responsibilities and British Values

• Diversity and celebrating differences

• Caring for our environment and community

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Supporting Every Learner

We are committed to ensuring that every child can access and benefit from our personal development curriculum.

Adaptations may include:

• Small group or individual support

• Visual prompts and communication aids

• Social stories and structured interventions

• Targeted pastoral support

• Additional support for pupils with SEND or other vulnerabilities

• Close partnership working with families and external agencies

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ELSA – Emotional Literacy Support

We recognise that some children need additional support to understand and manage their emotions.

Our trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) provides targeted support for children who may be experiencing worries, friendship difficulties, emotional challenges or changes in their lives. Sessions may take place individually or in small groups and help children develop strategies for managing feelings, building confidence and improving resilience.

ELSA support complements our wider pastoral provision and helps ensure that every child feels listened to, understood and supported.

Through our nurturing approach, children develop the confidence, resilience and emotional skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

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Pupil Voice

"I like learning about feelings because it helps me know what to do when I'm sad or worried."

"My teacher helps me be brave and try new things."

"I like helping my friends when they need me."

"The trips are fun because we learn new things and see different places."

"I like assemblies because we learn how to be kind and respectful."

"When I talk to Mrs Newton in ELSA time, she helps me understand my feelings and think of ways to solve problems."