British Values
British values at our schools
The Department for Education has published guidance on promoting British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. The definition of British Values was outlined in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and has recently been reiterated by the Government. At Haughmond Federation we aim to ‘actively 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.
At Haughmond Federation we will actively challenge children, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including those expressing ‘extremist’ views.
The British Values we promote are:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those from Different Faiths and Beliefs
Please see our School Parliament page here
Democracy
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have class councils which meet regularly to discuss issues that arise during the year. The children in each class also vote weekly for the pupil who has promoted our Value of the half term the most. They receive a Values Hero award to wear around the school to promote the importance of British Values at our school. Each child takes home a half termly newsletter promoting the value of the half term and celebrating the values heroes from the last half term.
Mutual Respect
Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Our school has high expectations where courtesy and good manners are shown towards all. Children treat others how they would want to be treated themselves. Children are given the opportunity to reflect on behaviour and understand the impact upon others.
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 the regular school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Through planning we ensure that we promote the faiths and beliefs of others. Our RE curriculum reinforces an understanding of other religions and cultures. This is also celebrated through assemblies where we share Christian celebrations as well as those from other faiths. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
Individual Liberty
Within school, children 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 children to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Children 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. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge; of how they record; of participation in our extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities; participation in P4C lessons, children are given the freedom to make choices and the freedom to express their point of view.
Preventing Radicalisation and Extremism
Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind.
Extremism is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views.
We have a zero tolerance approach to extremist behaviour for all community members. We rely on our strong values to steer our work and ensure that the pastoral care of our children protects them from exposure to negative influences.
Safeguarding
We are fully committed to the safeguarding of all our children and this includes against radicalisation.
All staff at our school are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Please note: School Values as Selected by Staff, Pupils, Parents and Governors