SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural learning.
It sits at the heart of education and enables children and young people to make appropriate choices as they encounter complex and changing circumstances in our modern society.
SMSC is concerned with how children and young people make sense of the world and other people; how they interact with other people; and the sort of person they are and are becoming. It is as much about how children are taught, as what they are taught.
SMSC is not something that happens in isolation – it is linked and interconnected to everything the school does and what kind of place it is.
In the 21st century, our pupils navigate a globalised society characterised by rapid technological advancement, diverse cultures, and evolving social norms.
When addressed well, SMSC development has the potential to:
- Raise aspirations
- Develop empathy
- Deepen spirituality
- Connect young people with their communities
- Create opportunities for pupils to learn and practise human virtues
- Instil values such as compassion, hope, faith and forgiveness
- Develop values that challenge individuals beyond the material world.
What is the aim of Spiritual Development?
- Sustain their self-esteem in their learning experience.
- Develop their capacity for critical and independent thought.
- Foster their emotional life and express their feelings.
- Experience moments of stillness and reflection.
- Discuss their beliefs, feelings, values and responses to personal experiences.
- Form and maintain relationships
- Reflect on, consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life.
What is the aim of Moral Development?
- Distinguish between right and wrong.
- Develop the ability to think through the consequences of their own and others’ actions.
- Recognise the unique value of each individual.
- Have respect for others’ needs, interests and feelings.
- Gain the confidence to cope with setbacks and learn from mistakes.
- Take initiative and act responsibly with consideration for others.
- Show respect for the environment.
- Make informed and independent judgements.
What is the aim of Social Development?
The social development of pupils is shown by their:
- Use of a range of social skills in different contexts, for example working and socialising with other pupils, including those from different religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
- Willingness to participate in a variety of communities and social settings, including by volunteering, cooperating well with others and being able to resolve conflicts effectively
- Acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; they develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
What is the aim of Cultural Development?
The cultural development of pupils is shown by their:
- Understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of others
- Understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures in the school and further afield as part of their preparation for life in modern Britain
- Knowledge of Britain’s democratic parliamentary system and its central role in shaping our history and values, and in continuing to develop Britain
- Willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities
- Interest in exploring, improving understanding of and showing respect for different faiths and the extent to which they understand, accept and respect diversity.
- Ability to recognise and value the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities
Fundamental British Values
British Values – democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs – are the bedrock upon which a cohesive and functioning society is built. Teaching these values equips pupils with the understanding and appreciation needed to participate constructively in a democratic society, respect the rights of others, and challenge extremism and intolerance.
‘The Department for Education (DfE) places a duty on EYFS providers, schools, colleges and training providers to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain by developing their understanding of Fundamental British values’.
Section 78, Education Act, 2002
‘All maintained schools must meet the requirements set out in section 78 of the Education Act 2002 and promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of their pupils. Through ensuring pupils’ SMSC development, schools can also demonstrate they are actively promoting fundamental British values.’
The Ofsted Connection: A Framework for Excellence
The recent Ofsted framework places a significant emphasis on the quality of education, with a particular focus on the personal development of pupils. The ‘Personal Development’ judgement explicitly assesses how schools promote “fundamental British Values” and how they support pupils’ SMSC development. Ofsted inspectors will be looking for evidence that schools are actively and effectively embedding these principles across the curriculum and the wider school experience.
“Education is not just about the gaining of knowledge and the acquisition of skills but the basic aim of our schools is to aid the personal development of all our students in the fullest sense.“
Amanda Spielman, HMI Chief Inspector
The 2019 OFSTED framework promotes and elevates the prominence of SMSC…
Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework (2022) highlights that leaders should ensure that “they and their staff promote fundamental British values effectively” and that “pupils understand and can demonstrate the protected characteristics of the British constitution which includes the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
Why SMSC and British Values?
NATE
As the National Association for the Teaching of English (NATE) wisely states, “SMSC is the glue that holds the curriculum together, enabling pupils to make sense of their learning and their lives.”
This sentiment underscores the interconnectedness of academic knowledge with personal and social development.
Ofsted
The quality of SMSC is intrinsically linked to the ‘Behaviour and Attitudes’ judgement, where inspectors consider how well pupils are supported to develop good behaviour, self-management skills, and positive attitudes towards learning and each other. A strong SMSC provision directly contributes to a positive school culture, improved behaviour, and enhanced pupil well-being.
Ofsted Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman states, “We want every child to be able to flourish, to be able to make the most of their lives, and to be prepared for the world of work and for citizenship.”
Why teach SMSC and British Values?
SMSC education provides the essential toolkit for them to understand themselves, their relationships with others, and their place in the wider world. It cultivates empathy, critical thinking, self-awareness, and a sense of responsibility.
Modelling British values is an ongoing effort that requires consistency and dedication. By embodying these values in your professional conduct, you can create a positive and inclusive environment for pupils to thrive and develop their own understanding of British values.