Imaginor Values
Putting Values at the Heart of Education
There is no such thing as a values vacuum.
Every organisation will have at its heart a set of values – the beliefs and principles which give it identity and shape its purpose.
Sometimes these values are carefully chosen, afforded a significant profile, enshrined in a mission statement and emblazoned across headed notepaper. In other organisations the values develop organically and can be recognised in the way people treat one another or decisions are made. Whilst these values may be only implicitly understood and rarely articulated or acknowledged, they nonetheless represent powerful drivers in informing culture and behaviour. Businesses often invest huge sums in promoting positive values precisely because they are acutely aware of how much these will contribute to the cohesiveness, and ultimately the success, of the company.
For a school, effectiveness is measured by the quality of the education that it offers its pupils. The understanding that governors, senior leaders and teachers have of the purpose and nature of the education they are providing, and the values which underpin it, will determine the ethos.
The first Inspection Question in the latest SIAMS Framework asks:
IQ1 How does the school’s theologically rooted Christian vision enable pupils and adults to flourish?
a) How is the Christian vision expressed? For example, is it through values that are faithful to the Anglican/Methodist foundation of the school?
Page 8 Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools Inspection Framework September 2023
© The National Society (Church of England and Church in Wales) for the Promotion of Education September 2022
Whilst a wide range of schools use Imaginor publications, the materials have primarily been produced to support Church schools as they work to strengthen and develop their Christian foundation. The 18 values which underpin our resources are rooted in the life and teaching of Jesus. They are therefore described by us as ‘Christian Values’.
It has become increasingly evident over recent years that schools that are confident and clear about their values are happy, purposeful, thriving learning communities. The aim of Imaginor publications is to support and resource creative, engaging values education and in so doing promote spiritual and moral development in schools.
‘Adults’ determination to achieve good outcomes for all pupils truly embodies the core school’s values. All members of the community at Lea C of E Primary School treat each other well, led by the vision and values of compassion, respect and service’
Excerpt from Lea C of E Primary School SIAMS Report (Inspection carried out under the September 2023 SIAMS Framework)