Promoting British Values at Caroline Haslett School

The DfE have reinforced the need “to 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’s definition of British values is set out in the 2011 Prevent Strategy; in 2014, it became statutory to publish how these are promoted in each school.

At Caroline Haslett School, the values sit alongside the aims of the school:

• To offer our children the best possible education within the context of a caring community
• To provide a happy school environment where everyone feels secure and valued.
• To work in partnership with parents in the education of their children and encourage their involvement & support.
• To teach the skills of seeking knowledge independently and to nurture a love of learning.
• To enable high standards to be achieved across the curriculum through positive action and statement.
• To foster the development of high self-esteem, through positive action and statement.
• To expect high standards of behaviour, with respect and consideration shown by everyone, both within the school community and outside in the wider world in which we live.
• To prepare children for the next stage of their education, and for adult life.

They are promoted through the curriculum as well as within the life and work of the school.

Democracy

The children learn about democracy in a range of contexts, which are meaningful to them e.g. School Council, House system, within assemblies and within curriculum areas such as history.

Our school council meets regularly to discuss issues, monitor the work of the school, and to agree ways in which provision for education can be further enhanced and developed. There are elected school council members from each year 1-6.

Every year, there is a pupil survey, and children are encouraged to express their views freely – the results of these are analysed and fed back to children.

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 each day, as well as when dealing with the behaviour choices and through school assemblies. Clear structure provide clear framework, within which the children can develop an understanding of how good laws and rules benefit everyone.

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.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Through the provision of a clear context for learning, and a framework of expectations, boundaries are provided, within which the children are safe and empowered to make choices.

Children are respected as individuals, and are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through e-safety lessons.

Throughout each day children have the opportunity to make choices – for example, the games they choose to play, individual opportunities for further study in topics, participation in the numerous extra-curricular clubs available and the options to take on additional responsibilities such as Digital leaders and Library duties.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values, and is clearly articulated in our Code of Conduct. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. The vast majority of the school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We value the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and lessons to celebrate these. We have found this approach to be enriching for all parties as it teaches tolerance and respect for the differences in our community and the wider world. Underpinning all of this are a range of curriculum themes, which include a study of diverse cultures and traditions.

We place a great emphasis on promoting diversity within the school and wider world. We actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

These values are implicitly embedded through the ethos of our school and curriculum. The way in which these are reflected within each curriculum area is to be evaluated and identified over the forthcoming months, and will be published in due course on the school website.