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.” The government sets out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.
At Westfield Primary, we are committed to nurturing success in every child and every adult in the school community. Our ethos as a school is to provide the highest quality education for all of our pupils in a safe and friendly school community. This ethos aligns with the British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
We actively promote British values in the following ways:
Democracy
“Respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process”
* The Junior Leadership Team discusses and debates issues raised by other school members and representatives provide feedback
* Through pupil Surveys, children are given the opportunity to have their voices heard and changes are implemented in response to pupil feedback. Examples of this include inclusion of more “non-sporty” extra-curricular clubs and additional planned transition time at the end of the academic year
* Children are appointed to positions of responsibility within their year group. Staff elect suitable role models to fulfil the House Ambassador role
Rule of Law
“Respect for the basis on which law is made and applies in England” and “support for the equality of opportunity for all”
* The school has a behaviour policy which applies to all key stages in the school and is applied consistently by all members of staff
* The Home School Agreement is printed in home school diaries and sets out an agreed statement of expectations and responsibilities for children, staff, parents and carers
* The school sets out expectations for online safety on the Acceptable Use policy
* Children are supported how to learn to distinguish between right and wrong. The children understand the consequences of unacceptable or inappropriate behaviour and are aware the appropriate and fair sanctions are employed when rules have been broken
* The principles of Restorative Practice inform and guide behaviour management within school. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and consider the impact of their behaviour on others
* Children are expected to develop a respect for Law and Order and enjoy visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire and Ambulance service to reinforce this message
Individual Liberty
“Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law”
- At Westfield, children are actively encouraged to try a range of different activities and opportunities and to make informed choices in a safe, nurturing environment. Children are for example given information about a full range of extra-curricular activities and clubs and are encouraged to select clubs based on their individual preferences.
- Opportunities are provided for children to develop self-esteem and confidence in their own abilities
- Children in school are encouraged to take on roles and responsibilities through becoming class monitors, members of the Junior Leadership Team, Playtime Pals and House Ambassadors
- Children achievements are celebrated through certificate awards in weekly celebration assemblies, SeaSaw and acknowledgement on the school Twitter account
- Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour. The principles of restorative practice underpin the school’s behaviour policy and the children are always guided to take responsibility for their actions and consider the impact of their behaviour on others
- Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are given advice about how to exercise these safely, for example through our online safety teaching and PSHE curriculum
- The school has a string anti-bullying culture. Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes are challenged
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
“Respect and tolerance of different faiths and religions and other beliefs”
- Respect is a core value of the school and the children have a very clear understanding of the importance of respectful behaviour. All members of staff model respectful, courteous behaviour.
- Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life. The school curriculum has been designed to enable pupils to gain an understanding of the wider world through themes which focus on particular countries or regions e.g. Y6 learn about Mexico and the school has held International themed weeks
- Pupils are given the opportunity to learn about different faiths and religions through RE lessons. Members of local churches are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance pupils understandings of different faiths
- Through PHSE and RE children are encouraged to develop a respect for the differences between people such as differences of faith, ethnicity, gender or sexuality
- Staff and pupils challenge any prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour though incidence is rare
You can also find our Social, Moral ,Spiritual with Cultural and British Values Policy here