British Values

Promoting British  Values at Withnell Fold

The DfE has recently 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 the Prime Minister this year.  At Withnell Fold these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

• Democracy:

Democracy is embedded at school. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and respect the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Children are given the opportunity to debate on various topics through our creative curriculum, particularly at KS2, where they will present a case which will be followed by a class vote. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through the Pupil Parliament. Children put themselves forward through a short presentation for elections to Parliament.

• The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced. Each class discusses and sets its own rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary, thus ensuring that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment. We teach the value and reason behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Our school Behaviour Policy is shared with all stakeholders. Children regularly reflect on their learning during lessons and their behaviour during our celebration assemblies.  Anti-bullying Week and E Safety Day help children to understand how to behave towards each other and how to stay safe. Visits from authorities such as the Fire Service are regular part of our calendar of events and help reinforce this message.

• Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through of provision of a safe environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Challenge by choice is encouraged on our Year 5 and 6 residential. Children are made aware of the importance of individual liberty and freedom of speech through the study of people, like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.. Children take responsibilities as Buddies, Play Leaders, class monitors, lunch time monitors, and Pupil Parliament members We encourage participation in charitable events e.g. Children in Need, Macmillan Coffee morning and Comic Relief. 

• Mutual Respect:

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. They develop an understanding of tolerance and mutual respect. They know and understand what is expected and that it is imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small.  Positive relationships are encouraged and modelled throughout the school, with the older pupils supporting the younger ones during worship and other collective occasions.

• Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Children have the opportunity to study Islam, Buddhism and Judaism alongside Christianity. We also learn about the Patron Saint days of the British Isles, we look at the culture of some European countries during our theme weeks and we hold assemblies based around major religious festivals and important people. Visits also enhance this area of the curriculum.