British Values Statement
British Values Statement
At Creswell Junior School we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and the wider school community.
The Department for Education states that there is a 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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:
- Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
- Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
- Support for equality of opportunity for all
- Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
- Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world. Wherever possible, we take a global approach to learning by introducing themes from the perspective of other people in other countries.
At Creswell Junior School, we actively promote British values in the following ways:
DEMOCRACY
- Each class elect two class councillors to represent them at school council meetings. All children can offer suggestions by using ‘the suggestion box’ in their classroom. All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through regular pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys.
- The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days
RULE OF LAW
- Every class draw up their own set of class rules and these are displayed in the classroom.
- School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
- Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground.
- Pupils are regularly reminded about their ‘Rights and Responsibilities’ and about how these are linked.
- Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and Creswell Junior School have enjoyed visits from authorities such as the Police and the Fire Service to help reinforce this message.
- Our behaviour policy states a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents and carers.
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY
- Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. eg. by signing up for extra-curricular clubs.
- Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
- 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 e-safety teaching and PSHE lessons.
- Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system of logging any homophobic or racists incidents.
- Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in their class and some within school e.g. Mental Health Ambassadors, prefects, buddy readers, school council representatives and eco reps.
MUTUAL RESPECT AND TOLERANCE OF THOSE WITH DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS
- Respect is one of the core values of our school. Pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
- Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
- Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
- Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
- We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which some of the major religions are studied and respected.