British Values Statement

Promoting British Values at Severne Primary 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 and in the DfE document ‘Promoting Fundamental British Values as part of SMSC in Schools (November 2014).  At Severne Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is encouraged within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. The elections of School Councillors and the Chair and Vice-Chair of the School Council are based solely on pupil votes. Pupils are encouraged to express their views and through our supportive pastoral team are taught how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.

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 regular school days, 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.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, 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 choices safety, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. We have a strong anti-bullying culture where pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour. Pupil self-esteem and self-confidence are paramount.

Mutual Respect:

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Be Respectful’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown, this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in Religious Education and Personal, Social and Health Education. Visits to diverse places of worship enhance learning within classes. Religious festivals are observed, both as part of RE and as part of British cultural tradition. Where staff and pupils are required to pray as part of religious devotion, a room can be made available. Any prejudices or discriminatory behaviours are promptly challenged.