Defining spirituality?

“Spiritual development relates to fundamental questions about the meaning and purpose of life which affect everyone and is not dependant on a religious affiliation.” (Ofsted)

Spirituality is a very personal experience. It differs from person to person and often spirituality changes within people during their lifetime. Spirituality is not the same as having a religion or faith; a person can be spiritual without having a particular faith. Spiritual development is not about becoming, more spiritual (in a measurable or expansive sense). It is about realising or becoming more and more aware of one’s natural, innate spirituality.

You do not need to be religious to grow spiritually.

The Doughnut and the hole (Liz Mills)

Imagine a doughnut

This delicious treat is us as a person, our body, mind and spirit, which includes the precious hole in the middle. While the soft, sweet outer ring can be easy to explain, the important inner space is often harder to understand but is equally important to the ‘whole’ of the doughnut.

It is the space inside the doughnut where our spiritual self lives; where our beliefs, faith and ideas support us to share our outer selves with the world.

Spiritual development focuses on relationships and connectedness; relationships with ourselves, others, the world and beyond.  It helps us have an understanding that there is something greater than self.

                            

A framework for a common reflective structure for spirituality

A focus on spirituality enables our children to be happy, to flourish and to live life in all its fullness.

As a school, we have chosen to use the Windows, Mirrors, Doors concept as a common reflective structure for spirituality: Windows (nursery and older children), windows and mirrors (nursery and reception), windows, mirrors and doors (Year 1 and older children).