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Visions, Values & Aims

A Small School with Big Ideas ...

Growing Hearts, Growing Minds, Growing Dreams

At Manuden Primary School, our vision—"Growing hearts, Growing minds, Growing dreams"—is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to nurturing a love of learning, fostering strong relationships, and inspiring every child to reach their full potential. Through a supportive and inclusive environment, we encourage children to grow as kind, confident individuals who embrace challenges, think creatively, and dream big. Our values guide us in creating a school community where respect, resilience, and ambition thrive, ensuring that every child is equipped with the skills and mindset to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Growing Hearts

  • Our children will understand, talk about, and manage their emotions.
  • We will teach children about the impact of their behaviour on others and how to treat others with respect, understanding and love.
  • All members of the Manuden community will be aware of their feelings and emotions and know how to regulate them.
  • We will encourage curiosity about the world around us, as well as intellectual curiosity including understanding others and being curious about those who are different from us. 

Growing Minds

  • Our children will leave our school having developed the skills and knowledge to prepare for life in the modern world through a challenging, inspiring, and well-sequenced curriculum, ensuring clear progression.
  • Mental and physical wellbeing will be at the heart of what we do, teaching everyone how to keep themselves healthy in these areas.
  • Staff and pupils will understand how the brain works and how this knowledge can support their development.
  • We will learn to look for happiness in everyday life.
  • Pupils will understand how our feelings, emotions, and mental health impact our learning and be equipped with strategies to regulate them so we can stay focused.
  • Our pupils will be encouraged to be independent learners, taking ownership of their learning and knowing how to access support when needed.

Growing Dreams

  • Our children will be encouraged to have a growth mindset, challenging themselves to reach their full potential.
  • Members of the Manuden community will work together to ensure that everyone is welcome and understand that we are all different; but should all be treated with dignity and respect.
  • Our children will be encouraged to be anything c v they want to be and live their life however they want without judgement.
  • Our children will be taught to respect other people’s choices.
  • Our children will be encouraged to be creative, demonstrating self-expression, creative thinking and problem solving in all they do.
  • Everyone will have high expectations of themselves and believe they can reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.

Manuden Primary School – Vision in Action

At Manuden Primary School, we live our vision daily: growing hearts, growing minds, growing dreams.

Strong Leadership and Vision
Our leadership team provides clear direction and fosters high expectations. With the Head of Teaching and Learning, Head of Curriculum, and SENDCo, we ensure every pupil receives excellent teaching, a broad and ambitious curriculum, and the support they need to thrive.

Dedicated and Growth-Minded Staff – Growing Minds
Our committed staff are lifelong learners who continually improve their practice. Their passion, expertise, and collaboration create a stimulating environment where pupils are challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Mental Wellbeing Support – Growing Hearts
Through the MyHappyMinds programme and targeted support from our in-house play therapist, we equip pupils with resilience, self-awareness, and positive mental health habits. Emotional wellbeing is at the heart of our school, helping children develop compassion and kindness alongside their learning.

Inclusive and Supportive Culture – Growing Dreams
We foster a safe and respectful community, underpinned by restorative practices, where all children feel valued and empowered. Pupils learn to respect differences, take responsibility, and pursue their aspirations with confidence.

Outstanding Personal Development
Our broad curriculum and enrichment activities nurture moral values, resilience, curiosity, and leadership. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on the kind of individuals they want to become, supporting holistic growth beyond academic achievement.

Strong Community Links
We work closely with families, local partners, and the church community. The Vicar of Manuden serves as a governor, pupils host a coffee and cake morning for the elderly, and our sports partnership work broadens experiences and encourages teamwork, resilience, and healthy lifestyles.

Effective Teaching and Learning – Growing Minds
Through personalised teaching, small class sizes, and our recently developed ‘The Manuden Way’ – Pedagogical Practice and Whole-School Expectation Document, we ensure consistently high-quality learning. This framework maximises engagement, achievement, and independence, helping pupils develop a genuine love of learning.

Living Our Vision
Every day, Manuden Primary School nurtures hearts, minds, and dreams in a supportive, inspiring environment. Strong leadership, dedicated staff, a focus on wellbeing, inclusivity, and community collaboration ensure every child is known, valued, and given the opportunity to flourish.