Delivering the duty on ‘British values’

In November, SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural education) was given a major injection of status, placing it on the list of “issues to be addressed” for many senior leadership meetings no doubt.

This change was driven by the Department for Education (DfE) publishing its guidance document on “British values” in response to the Birmingham Trojan Horse inquiry. 

Ofsted has been instructed to inspect SMSC provision within a context where “good” or “outstanding” cannot be achieved unless “British values” are clearly demonstrated.

In the Ofsted inspection handbook, the grade descriptor for outstanding overall effectiveness says: “The school’s thoughtful and wide-ranging promotion of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development enables them to thrive in a supportive, highly cohesive learning community.”