Promoting British Values

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 this year (2014). At Barnoldswick Church of England Primary School these values are reinforced in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is richly embedded within the school. Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Circle Time sessions and School Council. Every child on the school council is voted in by their class. Our school behaviour policy sets out to balance a combination of rewards and sanctions to be used within a positive, supportive and democratic community atmosphere. This is shared through all aspects of school life and also shared with parents, carers and children from Reception to Year 6.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Barnoldswick Church of England School. 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 are a regular part of our calendar events and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

As a school we provide a safe and supportive environment in which pupils are actively encouraged to make informed choices. This empowering approach is achieved by educating children to know and understand their rights and personal freedoms within defined boundaries. They are also advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect:

At Barnoldswick Church of England School we wish to create a happy, secure environment in which the education of each child can flourish. Children are taught within a Christian ethos to value and respect one another and to care for the health safety and well-being of others. Our school Behaviour policy promotes Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils are part of lesson discussions related to what this means and how it is shown. Both these areas are linked to our planned programme for Collective Worship, where the values are reinforced and revisited as required. It is shared with home through newsletters and website information. Adults throughout the school model, demonstrate and promote respect for others as do older children who have suitable, age related, tasks and responsibilities and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

Barnoldswick Church of England School is situated in an area which has limited cultural diversity. Therefore we place a great emphasis on actively offering children unique opportunities to learn and celebrate a variety of different faiths and cultures. Collective worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed up and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to visit school and share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children also visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. We also actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values.

Duty on schools to prevent extremism/terrorism:

The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 came into force this February. Under section 26 of the Act, schools have a duty to “have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.” The Prevent Duty Guidance details the activities schools are expected to demonstrate to comply. These include:

1. Reviewing risk assessments and policies including safeguarding, visitors to school, ICT, complaints and whistleblowing
2. Working in partnership with the Local Safeguarding Children Board
3. Ensuring sufficient staff training, pastoral care and welfare support

Barnoldswick Church of England Primary School is currently reviewing all existing mechanisms to ensure the duty is implemented effectively.