British Values are at the heart of everyday school life. We actively promote democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance, helping children to understand their rights and responsibilities as they grow. Through our curriculum, assemblies and wider school experiences, we nurture confident, respectful pupils who value diversity, work well with others, and are prepared to play a positive role in their local community and beyond.

British Values are actively promoted in the following ways:

Democracy

• Respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process

Democracy is strong within the Federation. Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through a democratically elected school council. The council meet regularly in both schools and participate in a range of decision making activities.  In addition, annual questionnaires give pupils an opportunity to put forward their views.  

We feel it is important that children are able to express their views, and that they can argue and defend their point of view.

The Rule of Law

• Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied
• Support for equality of opportunity for all

Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

At the centre of all we do is a restorative approach to resolve conflicts and promote positive behaviour. Restorative approach provides an underpinning ethos and philosophy for making, maintaining and repairing relationships and for fostering a sense of social responsibility and shared accountability.

Both schools work with the other agencies to help children understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals.  In addition we have strong links with local community police teams.

Individual Liberty

• Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law

At our Federation of schools, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  We educate and provide boundaries for pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our strong anti – bullying culture and creative PSHE lessons.

Our restorative approach also encompasses liberty, by encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour, while appreciating their rights.

Respect and Tolerance

• Respect for, and tolerance of, different faiths religious beliefs

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.  All members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect. Prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour is always challenged.

Pupils acquire an understanding, and promotion, of the cultures of others by visits into school of a range of positive role models from different faiths, ethnicity and gender. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.

We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Both schools have links with local churches and visit them as part of curriculum work, as well as during Christian festivals.