A member of Dales Academies Trust
Promoting British Values at Croft Church of England Primary School.
The DfE have 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 were reiterated in 2014.
At Croft Church of England Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
We have a student council which meets every month with the Headteacher to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class. Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school. Children hold and vote in mock elections and take part in a cluster debating competition. They also form other pupil committees which make significant contributions to school for example Climate Cops.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Croft Church of England Primary School. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our Golden Rules, Playground Rules and Safety Rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a reward system which is consistently followed throughout school. We are committed to praising children’s best efforts. We praise children informally, individually, during group work, in front of the whole class and in front of the whole school. Children are rewarded not only for achievement in curriculum areas, but for behaviour, attitudes and contribution to the school community.
Individual Liberty
At Croft Church of England Primary 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e Safety and PSHE lessons. They also understand that with rights come responsibilities.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Our behaviour policy is based around the core values of ‘Respect, Responsibility, Kindness and Friendship’. These values determine how we live as a community at Croft Church of England Primary School. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Collective Worship is based on ‘Christian Values for Life’ which are central to how we expect everyone to go about their life in our school.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
At Croft Church of England Primary School we actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures and by providing opportunities for children to experience such diversity. Collective Worship, Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
Please see our Policy for Promoting British Values for full details and our SMSC and British values Calendar for events which have taken place in school.
