How do we embrace and live out the Church of England’s vision for education?
Norton C of E Primary school is shaped by the Church of England’s Vision for Education, which emphasizes the development of the whole child—academically, socially, and spiritually. We provide a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to grow in character, develop a love for learning, and contribute positively to the world around them. Through a broad and engaging curriculum, strong pastoral care, and a commitment to serving our community, we ensure that every child is valued and supported. This vision underpins all that we do, helping our pupils to flourish and truly shine like stars in all aspects of their lives.
At Norton, our Christian distinctiveness is at the heart of all we do, guiding and inspiring our community. Rooted in our vision from Daniel 12:3, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens,” we believe every child has the potential to shine like stars!
Our Christian values—courage, friendship, peace, forgiveness, truthfulness, and thanks—shape our daily interactions, fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where children grow academically, socially, and spiritually. These values underpin all that we do at Norton; individually, as a school community, a local community and a wider community.
Our school motto, “We all shine like stars,” reflects our commitment to helping each child flourish with wisdom, kindness, and integrity. Through our STARS framework — Strive, Think, Act, Respect—we encourage pupils to develop their character and leadership within our school houses. Together, we create a school where faith, learning, and love shine brightly in all we do.
How do we celebrate this at Norton?
Every Friday, our school community gathers for our Sharing Assembly, a special time of celebration that reflects our Christian distinctiveness.
Rooted in our vision from Daniel 12:3, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens,” we recognise and encourage the ways our children shine in their learning, character, and faith.
Each class awards a Star of the Week to a child who has demonstrated perseverance, kindness, or excellence, reflecting our belief that we all shine like stars. We also present a Christian Value Award to a child who has lived out one of our core values—courage, friendship, peace, forgiveness, truthfulness, or thanks—in their daily actions.
With parents joining us in this uplifting celebration, our Sharing Assembly reinforces the Christian values at the heart of our school, inspiring every child to grow, flourish, and shine.
SIAMS inspection
We are delighted that our most recent SIAMS inspection recognised the strength of our Christian vision and the positive impact it has across every aspect of school life. Inspectors found that our vision is clearly understood and lived out by pupils, staff and leaders, shaping decisions, nurturing strong relationships and enabling everyone to flourish. The report celebrated our inclusive and caring community, where every individual is valued and supported, as well as the meaningful role of collective worship in inspiring reflection, joy and shared values. It also recognised the quality of our Religious Education curriculum, which develops pupils’ understanding of Christianity alongside a range of worldviews and faiths. We are proud that the inspection affirmed our commitment to providing a nurturing, inclusive and aspirational environment where all can grow, belong and thrive.
Please see the full report below:
