What is Spirituality?

We believe that spirituality is an integral part of every child's development. We aim to nurture children as unique individuals, helping them to grow in confidence, compassion, curiosity and understanding of themselves, others, the world and beyond.

We recognise that spirituality is not something that can be taught as a discrete subject. Instead, it is experienced through relationships, learning, reflection and everyday moments. Our school provides a caring, inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to flourish and develop spiritually.

At our school, spirituality is defined as:

"Developing a relationship with ourselves, others, the world and beyond, recognising that love is at the heart of it."

This definition underpins our vision and informs every aspect of school life, but we simplify this to the children, defining it as:

Developing Spirituality at Lilliput

At Lilliput CE Infant School, we understand spirituality as an important part of what it means to be human. Rooted in our Christian vision and values of Love, Respect and Service, we nurture spirituality through four interconnected dimensions: Self, Others, World and Beyond. This model helps children and adults reflect on who they are, how they relate to others, their place in the world, and the deeper questions of meaning, purpose and faith.

Self

At Lilliput CE Infant School, we believe that every person has an inner sense of self which shapes how they think, feel and respond to the world around them. We provide opportunities for children and adults to pause, reflect and ask questions such as "What does this mean to me?" and "How does this make me feel?" We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual and encourage everyone to develop a growing understanding of themselves, their values and their beliefs.

Others

We learn and grow within relationships. As members of our school, local and global communities, we are encouraged to show love, respect and compassion towards others. Through exploring different experiences, viewpoints and beliefs, children develop empathy and an appreciation that people may see the world differently. Spirituality helps us recognise how our words and deeds affect those around us and inspires us to contribute positively to our communities.

World

We encourage children to develop a sense of wonder and awe about the world around them. Whether through nature, creativity, learning or discovery, children are given opportunities to appreciate beauty, ask questions and marvel at the richness of life. We also help them understand their responsibility to care for the environment and to consider how they can make a positive difference in the world through acts of service and stewardship.

Beyond

As a Church of England school, we recognise that many people believe there is something beyond the physical world and everyday experience. Children are encouraged to explore life's deeper questions, including those that may not have clear or simple answers. Through collective worship, Religious Education and opportunities for reflection, pupils encounter Christian beliefs about God while also learning about the beliefs and worldviews of others. We encourage children to think deeply, ask questions and develop their own understanding of meaning, purpose and faith, within an environment of respect and openness.

 

'Lilliput Inspired' Arts Competition

Lilliput Inspired was launched in 2026 as a new creative challenge, giving our children the opportunity to explore and express their spirituality through art. Following its launch, it will become an annual part of spiritual life at Lilliput.

Each year, children will be invited to respond creatively to themes linked to our Christian vision, values and spiritual development. Through their artwork, children can share the things that make them pause, reflect and feel deeply – their moments of awe and wonder, the people and things they value, and the ideas that are important to them.

For our first Lilliput Inspired, children are exploring two themes:

God’s Good Earth, celebrating the beauty and wonder of creation

Our Values, exploring what Love, Respect and Serve look like in our lives and our community.

We celebrate the children's individual responses by displaying their artwork in school, recognising that spirituality can be experienced and expressed in many different ways.

Watch this space for this year's winners, being announced 14th September 2026.