Personal Development

What is Personal Development (PD)?

PD focusses on “preparing pupils for their adult lives, teaching them to understand how to engage with society and providing them with plentiful opportunities to do so.” (Ofsted Inspection Handbook)

At Bidston Village CE Primary School, we are committed to helping every child grow in social awareness, strength of character, acceptance of others and confidence in their learning. Personal Development is not something separate from our curriculum – it is woven into everything we do: every lesson, every interaction, every assembly and every experience we offer.

Our aim is to prepare children for life beyond primary school so they develop a strong sense of purpose, belonging and the confidence to use their voice. We provide a purposeful and empowering curriculum that equips pupils for the next stage of their education and for the wider world.

We want our children to aspire, to believe in themselves and to understand the world they live in. Broadening their horizons and helping them recognise their potential sits at the heart of our curriculum and drives the opportunities we create.

Our aim is to nurture all children to aspire to be the very best version of themselves so that they can make the plan and purpose that God has set out for them a reality. As a loving school community we want children to have the skills to equip them for life in Modern Britain.

Protected Characteristics

At Bidston Village Church of England Primary School, we are committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where every child and adult is valued. Our Christian ethos and school values guide us in treating everyone with dignity, respect and fairness.

Our Commitment

We actively promote equality in line with the Equality Act 2010. No member of our school community will be disadvantaged or discriminated against because of who they are. We believe every person is unique, precious and loved by God.

Protected Characteristics

The Equality Act identifies nine protected characteristics:

  • Age

  • Disability

  • Gender reassignment

  • Marriage and civil partnership

  • Pregnancy and maternity

  • Race

  • Religion or belief

  • Sex

  • Sexual orientation

At Bidston Village, pupils, staff, families and visitors are treated fairly regardless of any protected characteristic.

Inclusion at Bidston Village

Inclusion is central to our school. We work to remove barriers so all pupils can learn, participate and thrive. Our curriculum, policies and daily practice celebrate difference and promote kindness, respect and understanding.

Teaching and Learning

Daily invitational collective worship, which is distinctively Christian, encourages children to reflect and respond to big questions, enables them to challenge world perspectives and facilitates spiritual development. 

Respect for others and understanding of equality are taught throughout the curriculum.

PSHE helps pupils learn about:

  • Respectful relationships

  • Fairness and equality

  • Rights and responsibilities

  • Identity and belonging

Religious Education supports pupils in learning about Christianity and other faiths, encouraging respect for different beliefs and cultures.

A Safe and Respectful School

We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe and supported.

  • Discriminatory behaviour is not tolerated.

  • Clear systems are in place for reporting concerns.

  • Anti‑bullying education promotes kindness and fairness.

Pupils are encouraged to speak up if something feels wrong or unkind.

Celebrating Diversity

We celebrate diversity through our curriculum, collective worship, themed events and learning about different cultures and beliefs. This helps pupils value themselves and respect others.

Working Together

We work closely with families, staff, governors and the wider community to uphold our commitment to equality and inclusion. We also collaborate with the Diocese, the Local Authority and networks of other schools to strengthen our practice and ensure our curriculum reflects current guidance and high‑quality geographical education. Through these partnerships, we listen, learn and continually strive to serve our school community with compassion, integrity and a shared commitment to helping every child flourish.