TEACHING BRITISH VALUES

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.”

At Chalkwell Hall Infant School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

We listen to children’s and parent’s voice. Our school behaviour policy states clearly that children are expected to contribute and co-operate in the well-being of our school, and to take into account the views of others. Children often have the chance to have their own voices heard by voting and expressing opinions about what happens in their school (such as house and sports captains) and through our elected pupil voice meetings.

The Rule of Law:

We consistently reinforce our high expectations of children. Children are taught the value and reasons behind our expectations (rules), that they are there to protect us and help us to work together, that everyone has a responsibility and that there are consequences when rules are broken. These are related to our responsibilities in the wider community.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, children 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 children to make choices safely, through our provision of a safe environment and empowering teaching. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and the responsibilities that come with choice.

Mutual Respect:

Our school ethos and behaviour policy revolve around values such as ‘respect’, and children are modelled this by caring, sharing and listening to others. Adults help children to understand how to respect by talking about how actions/words can affect others and encouraging children to act with respect to each other. Our community involvement, such as harvest giving, enables children to show respect and generosity to others outside our school community.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

Our broad curriculum and assemblies seek to enhance pupils' understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society, along with discussions, visits to places of worship, visitors and the modelling of a tolerant and accepting attitude to all faiths. The diversity of faith backgrounds of our children is acknowledged and different festivals are learnt about and celebrated.