British Values at St. Margaret’s Infant 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.
St. Margaret’s Infant School are proud to promote fundamental British values through Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC).
As a school we recognise the need to ensure children become valuable and fully rounded members of society, who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background and leave our school prepared for life in modern Britain.
At St. Margaret’s Infant School these values are reinforced through all subjects and areas of school life:
Democracy:
- Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, and pupil questionnaires.
- Self assessment is used in all curriculum subjects allowing pupils to express their thoughts and opinions.
- Pupils have a right to vote for some decisions that will have an impact on their learning and are beginning to understand they can affect decisions and outcomes.
- Pupils contribute to appropriate school policies.
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 school 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 are broken.
- Each class creates its own class charter which relate to our school values.
- The steps within our behaviour policy.
- Through visitors such as the police, local MP and firefighters.
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 and empowering education.
- 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.
- Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
- Our school ethos, values and beliefs, such as opening door, making eye contact when we are spoken to and having good manners.
- These are reiterated through our classroom and school charters, as well as our behaviour policy.
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.
- Collective worship and discussions.
- RE.
- PSHE.
- Visits and visitors including a visit to the Gurdwara and assemblies from Family Trust.
- Participation in local, national and world wide events.