How are we promoting British Values at Angel Road Infant and Nursery School?

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. The DfE have recently reinforced the need for 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 Angel Road Infant and Nursery School these values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is promoted within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and annual pupil questionnaires. The School Council are voted for by pupils of each class. Our school behaviour policy and PSHE curriculum encourages a class charter which each child contributes to and signs at the beginning of every year.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced throughout school, particularly through our successful behaviour policy and through our value themed school assemblies. Pupils are encouraged to understand the difference between right and wrong, to know that laws protect us and keep us safe, and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce these messages.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make positive choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through our provision of a secure environment and empowering education, for example, through our online safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through expressing personal opinions, making decisions about personal projects or playground activities, or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make their own choices. We work hard to encourage children to take personal responsibility for their own behaviour and the choices they make through restorative practices.

Mutual Respect:

The development of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around creating positive relationships within an atmosphere of respect and learning. Our Code of Conduct fosters respect for others and this is reiterated in all areas of school. Our high quality PE curriculum promotes the concept of ‘fair play’. It also teaches children to participate in activities, follow and develop rules, celebrate and reward successes yet be gracious in defeat.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Our Geography curriculum helps children to develop an understanding of people with a culture different from their own. We are aware of developing curriculum resources which reflect a range of cultures and faiths and we support this by providing regular themed days and weeks such as Faith days and Belonging Day, alongside our History and Geography learning and wide range of activity clubs. A recent addition to the curriculum has involved lessons related to Refugee Week as part of our application to become a School of Sanctuary. We aim to tackle bullying before it starts. We regularly hold assemblies around values and discussions about bullying have been followed and supported by communication with parents, learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths, religions and languages are often invited to share their knowledge in order to enhance learning within classes and the school. Collective worship is non-denominational and recognises that those attending may have a range of faiths or none. It is however, “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character”.

Should you feel that the school is not meeting this government requirement, you should discuss concerns with the Head of School. Likewise, if you feel that anyone working at the school is, intentionally or otherwise, undermining these values, you should report this to the Head of School.