Stanningley Primary School

TEACHING BRITISH VALUES

Promoting British Values at Stanningley 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 were reiterated in 2014.

At Stanningley Primary School we understand that the society we live in is diverse and therefore, our curriculum and life within school reflects this. For our pupils, we aim to continually weave the thread of social, cultural, moral and spiritual British values throughout day-to-day school life. Underpinning this are the values and understanding of democracy, law, liberty, respect, tolerance, tradition and heritage. The ‘Equality Act 2010’ protects all individuals from discrimination, and it is the school's duty to ensure that all individuals have equal access and opportunity to all that is on offer. Funding, including that for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils, is used to target inequalities, to ensure equality.

At Stanningley our School Motto: Respect and Pride embodies the British Values and these are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Each year, every child in Key Stage 2 votes for their school council representatives which gives every class a say on the decisions that are made at our school. Those children wanting to become a school councillor write a manifesto and read these to their peers, who then vote in a democratic system, using a closed ballot box, for the child they wish to represent their class. The School Council meets every other week with a Miss Di to discuss any issues raised in class council meetings. The School Council is genuinely able to effect change within our school. Our PSHE curriculum encourages all aspects of respect for democracy and the democratic process. Individual children are also appointed for posts of responsibility in such as class monitors, assembly helpers and lunchtime support for younger children. Our Year 6 School Council members attend the annual Youth Summit at Leeds Civic Hall, an opportunity for to learn about local democracy, as well as influence the decision making of the Youth Activity Fund that informs the Community Committee’s budget spend.

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 Stanningley. Pupils are taught the rules from an early age in the Foundation Stage. Each class and Key Stage have an agreed set of rules. The children are aware of the consequences of not following the rules in their school community. The children learn to understand the difference between right and wrong in all aspects of school life throughout the day. Through our Webster Stratton Classroom Management system, there is an opportunity for children to put right what has been done wrong, wherever possible. Pupils in our school expect and receive a fair system where actions are always respectfully justified. Children learn and can talk about the Equality Act 2010, and understand that all people are protected under this. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws; that they exist to govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

Individual Liberty

At Stanningley Primary School, our 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 informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. 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 Online Safety and PSHE lessons. Our children are encouraged to give their opinions and share these ideas with due regard for the feelings of others. As part of our PSHE curriculum we place a huge emphasis on the social and emotional learning of our children and feel we send them off to high school as well-rounded individuals. We celebrate achievements both in and out of school in assemblies, through certificates, badges and personal acknowledgement of achievements and successes in front of other children and adults from home. All of the children have access to key adults in school, for example our Family Support Worker, our  mentor, etc when necessary. This helps the children access support in a confidential and supportive way.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Our mantra is “I respect you, you respect me”.

Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs

We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. Throughout school life the children are encouraged to discuss differences between people such as their faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality. They also discuss differences in family life such as looked after children or young carers.

British Traditions and Heritage

We celebrate the role of Britain both historically and in the present. We want pupils to have knowledge of and be proud of their British heritage and the cultural and historical traditions that we are renowned for the world over. This involves celebrating Royal events, Remembrance Day, festivals such as Harvest, Christmas, Easter (alongside those from other cultures such as Eid, Diwali and Chinese New Year). We visit the local church several times a year to mark different celebrations. The children visit places of cultural significance such as Leeds Museum, The Jorvik Centre and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

We work tirelessly to build a culture that will stand the test of time, where our pupils can become good, effective citizens. We teach our children to respect everyone regardless of any differences.