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 2011 , and these values were reiterated in 2014.

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At Thurcroft Infant School we aim for our children to become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background. We promote the basic British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs in the following ways:

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Democracy

We have a School Council with members from Year One and Year Two. These children have election campaigns and are voted for by the whole of KS1.  The Council meets regularly and in the meetings the children’s views and ideas on a range of school issues are sought and they help make decisions. The council members feedback to their classes. They also collect class views which they bring to their meetings and are involved in fund raising for the school. We have the local Councillors to visit and tell us how the council works and what jobs they do.

In Foundation classes the children vote for their favourite story each week.

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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 Thurcroft Infant School. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and keep us safe, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

Children are taught from the beginning the 3 school rules, ‘Ready, Respectful and Safe’. Pupils are taught the importance of and reasons behind our school rules, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when the ‘rules’ are not kept.  Each class agrees its own class rules at the beginning of the academic year. We have ‘Positive Noticing’ slips and children are recognised when they keep the rules. These show children our rules are important and in keeping them they will be noticed.

 

Individual Liberty

Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Making choices is a key part to the way we want children to learn and of the school vision, which children learn about through assemblies and PHSE work. Through our work we discuss different choices that the children can make and encourage them to make the right choices. 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 learning, knowing the importance of making safe choices when online and in PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra- curricular clubs and opportunities or their choice of lunch time meal, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

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 Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. The children and staff often work with other schools in our collaboration and with the local Church which develops their respect for others in the wider community. ‘Positive Noticing’ slips often recognise pupils who show respect towards other pupils or property.

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Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Thurcroft Infant School is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies and worship are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this. The children are taught that people have different faiths and beliefs and that these should be accepted. Children within our school with different faiths are encouraged to share their practices and special celebrations. Our school also has a link with St Simon and

St Jude’s church and we visit church for some special occasions and  Reverend Miranda also joins us and leads assemblies for us in school.