Promoting British Values at Leverton Primary School

The DfE 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.” The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and at Leverton Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Pupils participate in the School Council which meets regularly to discuss class and whole school issues. The Council genuinely effects change in school and each year classes from Reception upwards vote for two representatives per class to serve on the Council for a year. Children nominate themselves for these positions and are asked to explain why they feel they would be the best candidate. Children have the opportunity to give their opinions and put forward their views through the School Council and questionnaires.

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. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

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 people to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and 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 E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of a learning challenge, of how they record, or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
• Pupils are expected to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights.

Mutual Respect

• Mutual respect for all (pupils and staff) is a core value of our school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. The children know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big and small. The core value of Respect at Leverton underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom.
• The inclusive ethos of the school encourages respect for all pupils, including vulnerable pupils and those with a disability.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

• Leverton is situated in an area of some cultural diversity, and we place a great emphasis on promoting that diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforces this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
• Developing links with faith communities e.g. where possible, visits to various places of worship and holding an annual carol service at Waltham Abbey Church
• Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their different languages spoken (e.g. EAL pupils).
• Through RE / Science / Sex Education lessons, to discuss differences between people (e.g. faith, gender, sexuality and family situations)

At Leverton Primary School, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.