Ashford Church of England Primary School

Spiritual Flourishing

At Ashford CE Primary, we recognise that spirituality is a unique experience and is likely to differ between us all. Our approach to spirituality focuses on making connections which enables us to explain it to our children in a developmentally appropriate way.

We use the concept of ‘Mirrors, Windows and Doors’ as we support our children to reflect and ask big questions about life beyond themselves.

We focus on reflection and inwardly connecting with our own sense of self and emotions, illustrated by the mirror.

We look outwards and aim to provide a range of rich experiences to appreciate and connect with the awe and wonder in the world around us, illustrated by the window.

We look upwards to explore the feelings and sense of belief that there is something greater than our physical existence, something more than that which we can see, hear, smell, taste or touch. We consider how we can connect with this through prayer and worship and explore how this affects how we live our everyday lives, depicted by the door.

Through our school vision, ethos and Bible verse, ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.’ Phil 4v13, we encourage all within our school community to know that they can find God’s strength in all things. Our values teach children to respect and value individuality, show compassion and forgiveness, develop perseverance and courage and be thankful for all that God has provided for us. This allows our children to spiritually appreciate the unique relationships we have with others, the world around us and the greater presence.

There will be a whole school project on spiritual development in the Spring term 2026.

Spiritual development at ACE

The theological roots of our vision can be explored through the following core Christian values. These underpin our whole ethos, curriculum and school life and aim to ensure our pupils leave Ashford CE Primary School as happy, secure, caring and responsible citizens. The values we promote are important within the school community and are values which will be important throughout life. In all that we do we strive to share, encourage and demonstrate positive values with our children; in order that they understand them and strive to live by them.