British Values Statement

Preparing children for life in ‘Modern Britain’

 

At The Dassett C of E  Primary School we take our responsibility to prepare children for life in ‘Modern Britain’ very seriously. We ensure the fundamental British values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school.

All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and in particular, our RE and PSHE lessons provide excellent opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. Children are enthusiastic to demonstrate a good understanding of how these values apply to their own lives.

The Dassett C of E Primary School is committed to serving its local and national community. We recognise the multicultural, multi faith nature of the United Kingdom. We also understand the vital role that school has to play in ensuring that our children are not subjected to intimidation of any kind. There will be no discrimination of any individual or group regardless of their faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status or similar.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools.

The British Values are:

• Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths & beliefs

In our school we provide these values in the following ways:

Rule of Law

Our children have the opportunity to have their voice heard through our School Council. Elections are undertaken and children vote for their peers.  Children also, have a voice through their school house captains. The children work together in their respective classes to provide an agreed set of rules or codes for their Class Code of Conduct.. In addition, our daily Worship often deals with issues regarding democracy.

The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day. Our Positive Behaviour Policy and Code of Conduct clearly outline our behavioural expectations and children are well aware of the consequences for their actions. Children are taught the value and reasons for the rules and laws. They are taught that rules and laws protect us. they understand that we all have rights and responsibilities as responsible citizens. Children are taught about  the consequences of breaking rules and laws. Visits from authorities such as the police, fire service, church and other organisations support and reinforce these messages for our children. Our Year 4 pupils also learn about Parliament and the process for a new law to be passed.

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 set boundaries for our children to make those choices safely, for them to know and understand their rights and personal freedoms and how these can be fulfilled safely within our school environment.  Our children are regularly allowed to make their own choices by attending clubs, selecting meals, selecting aspects of their learning and by becoming increasingly independent. We teach ‘Protective Behaviours’ in Years 1 to 6 and this programme ensures that children know their rights, can recognise their early warning signs if they don't feel safe. They are taught to understand who they can get help from in order to stay safe and healthy. 

Mutual Respect

Respect is one of the core values that underpins our school. Our children know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown towards everyone, whatever differences we may have. Respect is in evidence in all we do and children and adults, including visitors, are treated with the utmost respect. We are polite and courteous in how we behave towards others.

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Our children are encouraged to understand that other people having different faiths or beliefs should be accepted and tolerated and should not be the cause of prejudice or discriminatory behaviour.  At The Dassett C of E Primary School our children learn to understand their place in a culturally diverse society. Our RE and PSHE curriculum, assemblies, visits and visitors to the school contribute to the children’s knowledge and understanding of different Faiths, beliefs, cultures and lifestyles. They understand that each person deserves to be respected and regarded equally irrespective of gender, ability, faith, race or heritage.