Promoting British Values at Studfall Infant Academy

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 Studfall these values are reinforced regularly and

in the following ways:

Democracy

Each year the children, as part of the PSHE&C focus at the start of the year, set and discuss the school rules and responsibilities at various levels. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the class rules. This is also reinforced in our whole school behaviour policy.

We have a student council which meets every week with a teacher to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council has its own budget and is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class. There are also class council meetings in the classes to discuss and raise issues. Our Student Councils have an annual visit to the local council offices to meet with elected representatives. Through a series of questions posed by the councils – children have been able to put their views about the school forwards.

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 Studfall.

Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our Golden Rules, Playground Rules and Safety Rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and 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.

Individual Liberty

At Studfall, 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how

to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. 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. This is also reinforced in whole school assemblies led by the head teachers across both schools. Our school is a fully inclusive school and we have a range of children with disabilities that are fully included in our school. This helps to foster an understanding that we all have areas that we need support with and to be supportive and tolerant of all.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Studfall is becoming an increasingly diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Major celebrations are covered in whole school and class assemblies.

Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. We also ensure our curriculum is rich and diverse and shares how other communities have enhanced cultural development. The children have taken part in Diwali workshops and celebrations of Chinese New Year. We hold community events in our local church.