Woodborough CofE Primary School

EQUA Trust

British Values

The Government set out their definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. The Department for Education have 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'.

At Woodborough we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and wider school community.

The Department for Education defines British Values as follows:

  • Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process.
  • Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England.
  • Support for equality of opportunity for all.
  • Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law.
  • Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs.

British values: What are they?

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Our school reflects British Values in all that we do.  We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant citizens who make a positive difference to British society and to the world.  We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.

At Woodborough, we actively promote British Values in the following ways:

Democracy

  • All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and Pupil Voice sessions.
  • The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days.
  • Our Behaviour policy involves rewards which the pupils have discussed and created.
  • Woodborough pupils have had active involvement in the selection processes of house captains, council members and in some cases appointment of staff.

Rule of Law

  • Our school follows our seven ‘Golden Rules’, which are integral to our learning and ethos every day.
  • School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
  • Pupils are always supported to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during collective worship and on the playground.
  • Pupils are encouraged to respect the law understanding that it used to protect us and keep us safe.
  • Pupils are taught about religious laws through Religious Education lessons.
  • The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff, parents and carers.

Individual Liberty

  • Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
  •  Pupils are supported to develop their understanding that it is their responsibility as children of God to look after and care for His creation.
  • Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
  • Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and Personal, Social, Health and Relationship Education (PSHRE) lessons.
  • Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.
  • Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Council Members, Classroom Monitors, Playground Mediators.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

  • Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
  • Pupils are supported in the understanding that we are all God's children and are made in His image and likeness, all of equal value. 
  • Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
  • Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
  • Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship.
  • Through the PSHRE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
  • Collective Worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in Religious Education (RE) and PSHE.
  • We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our Creative Curriculum topics and whole school enrichment days/weeks.

Radicalisation and Extremism

All staff know that they must be aware of any signs of radical or extremist views, as outlined in the ‘Prevent’ agenda. All adults, including Governors, are vigilant and know to report any concerns about views/behaviours expressed by a child or anyone connected to a child to the Designated Leaders for Safeguarding.

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