At All Saints’, we “…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, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”. (SMSC Guidance – DfE, 2014)
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values are principles that guide our behaviour. At All Saints’ CE Primary School our Christian values are modelled by adults and pupils alike and reinforced regularly in the following ways:
Democracy
Children at All Saints’ CE Primary School have a voice, and they are provided with lots of opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a democratically elected School Council which meets regularly to discuss issues relating to the school. As well as this we have a Schools Meal Council and also qualified play leaders that support children and ensure everyone gets a fair deal.
The Rule of Law
The importance of following rules and acting within the law are constantly reinforced through our school Christian ethos and our Positive Behaviour Policy. Pupils are taught the reasons behind such laws, how to take personal responsibility for how they act and the sanctions when laws/rules are broken. Visits from the Police and Fire Service help us to reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At All Saints’, children are encouraged to make their own choices, knowing that they can do so in a safe and secure environment. Children are provided with clear boundaries that they work within, but are empowered to take responsibility for their own actions. Learners understand their individual rights and freedoms through a range of curriculum activities, for example through e-safety, the Life Bus and PSHE lessons and support from the church. Whether it is through the choice of challenge; of how they record work; or of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core Christian values of respect, compassion and trust, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. Guidance around the school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as within our behaviour policy.
Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
From the strong basis of Christian values, All Saints’ enhances pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to celebrate and experience such diversity. Collective Worships and discussions are supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members and visitors of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge in order to enhance learning within classes and the school.