"The quality of learning materials, the level of interaction and communication, and above all the warmth and support that you and all the staff at Cleves have provided during these difficult times has been nothing short of remarkable."
Parent

Vision, Ethos and Values

Our vision is that all pupils leave Cleves inspired and equipped with the skills, knowledge and emotional wellbeing they need to take on the challenges of a changing and ever more competitive world.  

Our aim is to produce well rounded community members at the end of the Cleves experience. We give the children a wide range of experiences which will enthuse and excite them and thus encourage high quality learning. We have high expectations of all. We believe that our curriculum should prepare children for life in a fast changing society. 

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum with a wide range of opportunities and experiences. We teach knowledge, values and skills and these hold equal weighting in a curriculum we have personalised for our pupils. Research underpins everything that we do at Cleves. We actively seek out the very best practice, taking time to trial, evaluate and if necessary adapt any new approach or thinking to our own setting. We work closely with our external school improvement partner and regularly invite independent experts to work with our staff and pupils. 

In order to prepare children as learners, we focus on the development of four learning behaviours and encourage our pupils to be:

  • Resilient

  • Reflective

  • Responsible

  • Collaborative


To accompany these learning behaviours, we focus on what we consider five fundamental values which are taught and encouraged in all aspects of school life. They link closely to British Values and also form an integral part of the school ethos. These are:

  • Respect

  • High Aspirations

  • Kindness 

  • Perseverance

  • Inclusiveness

 

British Values

The Department for Education has published updated guidelines on promoting British Values in schools. (November 2014) This can be found by clicking here.

Statement of Intent at Cleves

We provide opportunities for pupils to explore their own culture and develop their understanding of the cultural influences that have shaped modern Britain. We understand the role that education plays in protecting children from radical and extremist ideas through the promotion of the below British Values, as identified in the Prevent Strategy 2011.

  • Democracy

  • The Rule of Law

  • Individual Liberty

  • Mutual respect and tolerance

Democracy

Democracy is active within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil Questionnaires. The election of School Council Reps is based solely on pupil votes. Elected Pupil Associate Governors meet twice a term with the Chair of Governors and Headteacher, learn about how democratic committee meetings are run, and attend every Governing Body meeting to report on their views and those of their peers.

The Rule of Law

The importance of rules to keep us safe are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules are broken. We hold Rule of Law afternoons where we hold class debates about environmental issues in lower school and simulate Crown courts, in upper school. We visit authorities such as the Police and Fire Service in Year 6.

Through the RE curriculum children learn that their right to hold differing faiths and beliefs is protected in law.

Individual Liberty

Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms through our Cleves Values. Within school pupils are actively supported to make choices by our safe and supportive environment.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Sports activities promote an attitude of equality and fairness. Our PSHE curriculum embodies values of mutual respect. Weekly ‘Good work’ assemblies place equal value on pupils’ achievements.

 

Well-Being Vision Statement

At Cleves we aim to provide a safe, caring environment in which we support the well-being of all of our children, staff and parents. We put well-being at the heart of our community and aim for learning and personal well-being to go hand in hand. We recognise both children and staff for their strengths and try to support them in developing resilience to tackle any weakness, so that they can grow and feel good about themselves.
 
 

Learning Together