We actively promote British Values, as defined in the Ofsted School Inspection Handbook, to prepare our children for life in modern Britain.

The Department for Education states that there is a need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”

We value the diverse backgrounds of all pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate these. We actively challenge opinions contrary to these British values.

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws. They are also taught to take responsibility for their actions and the consequences for themselves and others if rules and laws are broken. Our positive behaviour policy encourages tolerance and mutual respect. We visit different places of worship and have visitors to school from other faiths.

Democracy

Democracy is embedded at the school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen to and acknowledge different opinions through speaking and listening activities across the curriculum. Pupils also give opinions and ideas through our school council. The elections of the School Council members and other school elections are based on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. The school council meets regularly under the supervision of a teacher to discuss issues raised by individuals and classes. The council is genuinely able to influence change within the school.

The Rule of Law

The importance of rules and laws for the class, the school or the country, are reinforced. All rules are clear and understood by all so that all pupils can learn in a safe and happy environment. We place a strong emphasis on E-safety within our computing curriculum which teaches pupils how to be respectful to other users of the Internet. The use of E-Safety is also shared with parents in our community.

Individual Liberty

Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We educate our pupils and provide boundaries for them to make considered safe choices, through the provision of a safe environment and a high quality curriculum. Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our clubs, residential visits, e-safety and SRE, PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is one of the core values of our school and it is deeply embedded in our class rules and all that we do at the school. Our staff model this and our pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect must be shown to everyone at all times, whatever differences we may have. Our school includes pupils with different faiths and beliefs. We enhance pupils’ understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies, assemblies around a variety of faiths and visits to places of worship for various faiths. Beliefs, traditions and customs are studied in depth, with visitors invited into school to enrich and extend understanding. Through this our pupils gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.