The DfE has 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 in 2014. At All Saints, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is promoted within school in several ways. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires. Pupils also decide in class each week our Playground Friends and this is based solely on pupil votes. Class debates and circle time discussions, as well as exploring democracy through History studies, are examples of aspects of the curriculum which promote the value of democracy at All Saints.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through collective worship. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws, and classroom rules, are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service; Lifeguards etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices and be independent, 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 an empowering curriculum which promotes originality, freedom of expression and uniqueness. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our PSHE and e-Safety lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, how they record tasks, or selection of participation in extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance:

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy incorporate core Christian Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and collective worship related to what this means and how it is shown. Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules. Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Collective worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.