Ethos and Values

Ethos and Values Statement for Barrowford School

Our Identity and Context

Barrowford School is a vibrant, inclusive primary school located in the heart of the picturesque village of Barrowford, Lancashire. Established in 1877, our school has a rich history and a deep connection to the local community. With 320 pupils on roll, we are a two-form entry school that celebrates the diversity of our learners, who come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Our school community reflects the cultural richness of the area, with a diverse range of learners who represent a broad spectrum of abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.

We believe that our diversity is a source of strength, and it shapes our mission to provide an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child can thrive. At Barrowford, we are committed to supporting each child’s individual journey, meeting their needs, and celebrating their unique identity.

Our Vision: “Learn To Love, Love To Learn”

At the heart of Barrowford School is our unwavering commitment to “Learn To Love, Love To Learn.” This vision reflects our belief that education is about much more than academic achievement. It is about nurturing the whole child – their social, emotional, and physical well-being. We see it as a privilege to be entrusted with your child, working together with families to help each child become the best they can be.

Our approach is centred around inspiring a love of learning through creative teaching, fostering individual success, and preparing our learners for life. We believe that a positive school experience enables each child to feel a deep sense of belonging and psychological safety, empowering them to fully engage in learning and embrace the life of our school.

Our Core Values: Rounded and Grounded

The core values that guide our work at Barrowford School are Rounded and Grounded. These values represent the skills, attributes, and mindset that we aim to instil in our students, enabling them to grow into socially responsible, adaptable, and compassionate adults.

• Rounded: Being Rounded means developing a diverse and well-rounded set of skills and experiences that prepare learners for the opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges of life. These skills include self-awareness, adaptability, resilience, and a growth mindset. We foster these values through varied and rich experiences, helping children understand that personal development is an ongoing journey.
• Grounded: Being Grounded means having a strong foundation of core values such as empathy, respect, responsibility, and kindness that guide our actions and interactions. We teach these principles explicitly, helping children understand the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, and empowering them to be self-reflective, take responsibility for their actions, and build positive relationships.

Our Educational Approach: Inclusive, Nurturing, and Responsive

At Barrowford School, our educational approach is designed to support the unique needs of every child, ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to thrive. We are deeply committed to the safeguarding and well-being of our pupils, providing a secure and supportive environment where all children can reach their full potential.

We ensure that our curriculum is broad, ambitious, and flexible, focusing on developing strong foundational skills in English and mathematics while placing equal emphasis on personal development, emotional well-being, and cultural capital. Our curriculum is designed to be responsive to the needs of every learner, and we provide tailored support through differentiated learning opportunities. This ensures that all children, regardless of ability or need, are empowered to succeed and achieve their full potential.

We also integrate character education into our curriculum to help children develop important life skills that will serve them inside and outside of school. Values such as empathy, respect, and responsibility are embedded in everything we do, creating a climate where children feel valued, safe, and encouraged to grow.

Celebrating Learning and Growth

At Barrowford, we are proud to be reward-free and sanction-free, fostering an environment where the celebration of learning is at the heart of everything we do. We focus on recognising the efforts and progress of each learner, encouraging them to take pride in their own development. Through thoughtful feedback, children are guided on their learning journey, receiving recognition for their growth and the strategies they use to overcome challenges.

This feedback-driven approach highlights the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and progress rather than focusing on external rewards or punishments. We believe in celebrating learning in all its forms—whether academic, social, or emotional—and in providing a consistent, positive experience where children feel motivated and empowered to keep progressing.

Parental and Community Engagement

At Barrowford, we believe that the success of our school is built on strong partnerships between children, families, and the wider community. We work closely with parents to ensure that every child’s needs are met, and we are proud of the sense of belonging and trust that is fostered within our school community.

Parents are regularly invited to take part in events and activities that strengthen the connection between home and school. We hold regular “Parent’s Lunch and Learn” events, where parents can join us for lunch and gain insight into classroom life, and we celebrate our learners through weekly assemblies and special events. We value the role of our families and are committed to providing the support they need to navigate the complexities of modern life.

Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the classroom, with initiatives that involve the wider community. We invite local groups and families to contribute to our projects, further enriching our children’s learning experiences and deepening their connection to the world around them. Through community involvement, we aim to foster empathy, understanding, and shared responsibility for the future.

Celebrating Diversity and Cultural Capital

Barrowford School celebrates the diversity of our pupils, reflecting a range of cultures, perspectives, and experiences. We actively teach our children about the importance of inclusivity, respect, and understanding, and we believe that learning about global traditions, history, and cultures broadens our children’s worldviews.

Our curriculum includes a focus on cultural capital, where we integrate activities that expose children to different ideas, music, literature, and art. Through these experiences, we aim to equip children with the knowledge and skills to thrive in an interconnected world. Children are also given the opportunity to engage with global and local communities, helping them understand their role as responsible citizens.

Fostering Resilience, Reflection, and Growth

We strive to develop resilient learners who can face challenges and setbacks with a positive mindset. Our restorative approach to behaviour allows us to treat mistakes as learning opportunities. Children learn to reflect on their actions, restore relationships, and take responsibility for their behaviour. This approach fosters a positive, respectful atmosphere where every child feels valued and supported.

Through this process, we encourage children to understand that growth is not linear but requires perseverance, self-reflection, and the ability to adapt. We place a strong emphasis on emotional and social well-being, ensuring that children are not only academically capable but also emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and confident.

Looking to the Future: Empowering Lifelong Learners

At Barrowford, we aim to prepare our children for the future, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and character they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. We want our children to develop aspirations and understand that these aspirations can be achieved through hard work, resilience, and a positive mindset.

Our curriculum encourages children to think critically, work collaboratively, and take risks. We strive to ensure that every child is digitally literate and capable of thriving in an increasingly technology-driven world. By embedding character education alongside academic achievement, we equip our children with the tools they need to be responsible, compassionate, and engaged members of society.

Conclusion

At Barrowford School, our ethos and values are at the heart of everything we do. Through our Rounded and Grounded approach, we aim to create a school environment where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. We believe in the importance of strong relationships, community engagement, and the celebration of diversity, all of which contribute to a positive and inclusive learning experience.

We are proud of the community we have built together, where every child is supported to become the best version of themselves, both academically and personally. By embracing our core values and nurturing each child’s unique potential, we are preparing them not just for school success, but for a future where they can make a positive impact in the world.

Download Our Ethos and Values Statement 2025 (.docx)