British Values

The Department for Education (DfE) reinforced the 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.”

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by Ministers ever since. 

We have a developmental approach that enables children to develop their understanding of these values throughout their time at our school in order that they become responsible citizens.

The five key British Values are:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs

The school uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure such outcomes for all children.

British Values is an integral part of everyday life here at Adswood Primary School.

The examples that follow show some of the many ways Adswood Primary School seeks to instil British Values. 

Democracy

Every child in the school has a voice.  We do not have a school council as we strongly believe that every child's voice is important. This way, all children’s views are taken into account.

Children are involved in developing their curriculum. Curriculum leaders meet with pupils as part of their termly monitoring. Every new History and Geography topic begins with the key question, 'What do we want to know?'

Our children have the opportunity to apply for roles  and responsiblities such as Well-being Buddies, Reading Buddies,  Play Leaders, Digital Leaders, French Ambassadors and Sports Captains. 

Parents/Carers are asked a number of times a year to complete various questionnaires/surveys asking them what they like about the school,what they would like to see improved, how their child feels in school, the progress their child is making and so on. 

The Rule of Law

The school has a Code of Conduct- Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, which is shared with staff and children in assembly and displayed on classroom walls and around school. The school Behaviour Policy and other policies are shared through Key stage or whole school assemblies.

Our children have lots of opportunites to work with external agencies, such as, the emergency services, magistrates, road safety, Crucial Crew, National Rail.

Children and Parents/Carers regularly receive up-to-date information about E-Safety and the law. Parent/Carer E-Safety workshops are offered annualy. The school particpates in 'Safer Internet Day' every year, as well as making this an integral part of the PSHE and Computing curriculum.

The school has an excellent relationship with the local Police and Community Officers (PCSO’s) and the local constabulary, both visiting school regularly to speak to the children about the importance of law and order in the community.

Individual Liberty

The school’s Anti-Bullying Policy is made explicit to children through school assemblies and discussions in the classroom. The school has a zero tolerance to bullying and assemblies about racism, homophobia and other forms of bullying take place. Our curriculum provides teaching and learning around topics and circle time encourages items to be discussed in a forum.

A anti-bullying questionnaire is completed by all pupils and results analysed and intervention/sessions/assemblies planned. The InclusionTeam work closely with the class teams to ensure restorative meetings take place if an incident has occurred. Nominated ‘Restorative Captains’ have a responsibility to lead these discussions with others.

Mutual Respect

The school’s Code of Conduct is understood by children and discussed frequently in assemblies. Through our curriculum, we give our children opportunities to experience diversity. Assemblies and discussions about diversity have been followed and supported by learning in Beliefs and Values and PSHE. Within school, members of different faiths or religions are also encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. This may include parents or members of the local community coming in to talk, as well as children sharing.

Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs

Our Beliefs and Values curriculum ensures all children, from Reception to Year 6, receive a deep knowledge and understanding of religions and non-religions worldwide.

Collective Reflection with a Christian bias, takes place in school. The children have a short Christian prayer each morning. Families and visiting speakers from each faith enable the staff to explore each faith first-hand. Visits to places of worship, give the children a more real and 3D experience of each of the faiths as well as inviting visitors in to our school to share their relgion and culture. 

Our stakeholders, in particular, our children and their families are our biggest resource.