Trustworthiness Test

Understanding what makes someone trustworthy helps children both become trustworthy and recognise trustworthiness in others.

• Framework: EYFS
• Unit: EYFS Champions of Character
• Learning area: Socio-Emotional
• Level: EYFS Reception

Objectives

• Define trustworthiness and its components
• Evaluate trustworthiness in scenarios
• Build trust through consistent behaviour

Materials

• Trust scenario cards
• Trust-building challenge cards
• Trust circle activities

Instructions

Explore what makes someone trustworthy: they keep promises, tell the truth, keep secrets safe, are reliable, don't hurt you. Evaluate scenarios for trustworthiness. Participate in trust-building activities where children must rely on each other. Track trust-building behaviours over time. Discuss how trust, once broken, is hard to rebuild.

Educator tip

Be careful with 'trust fall' activities—focus on emotional trust rather than physical, which can be problematic for some children.

Assessment

Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observe understanding of trustworthiness components, analysis of scenarios, and demonstrated trustworthy behaviour.

More from EYFS Champions of Character

• Resilience Stories
• Active Listening Labs
• Compassion in Action
• Environmental Stewardship
• Positive Self-Talk Practice
• Cooperative Game Design
• Boundary Setting
• Media Kindness Critics