‘Learning for Life.’
Teaching British Values
Promoting British Values at Stocksbridge Nursery Infants’ 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 have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year. At Stocksbridge Nursery Infants’ School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy:
We listen to children’s and parent’s voice through regular consulatations with parents and school council meetings for children. Through our school behaviour policy we encourage our children to act as caring, tolerant young citizens who are respectful of themselves and others. They will develop a range of skills to enable them to be good communicators in a variety of ways.
The Rule of Law:
We consistently reinforce our high expectations of children. Children are taught the value and reasons behind our expectations (Golden Rules on display around school), that they are there to protect us, that everyone has a responsibility and that there are consequences when rules are broken.
Individual Liberty:
Within school, children are actively encouraged to make ‘good choices’, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young children to make choices safely, through our provision of a safe environment and empowering teaching. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms.
Mutual Respect:
A major part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has evolved around our Golden Rules such as ‘Respect’. All staff and children are encouraged to act in this way by caring, sharing and listening to others; this is actively promoted through the use of our Learning Team.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
We aim to enhance children’s understanding of different faiths and beliefs by learning about and participating in a range of celebrations throughout the year. Children have the opportunity to investigate customs and try different foods from other cultures and we encourage parents/carers to participate and support our multi-cultural events through Stay & Play or Come and Join In Our Learning sessions.
Our assembly themes are planned to incorporate British Values, our school values and our curriculum.
