British Values
The fundamental British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs are already implicitly embedded in the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Key Stage One curriculum at our school. The DFE underline the need "to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values" Our school actively promotes British Values through a whole range of school systems and structures, such as our daily collective worship, Positive Behaviour Policy and Christian Ethos. We also actively promote British Values through ensuring that our curriculum planning and delivery includes real opportunities for exploring these values. For example, our weekly Picture News sessions make explicit links to British Values in a child friendly and age appropriate way. This gives pupils opportunities to develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
In our school, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways;
Democracy;
Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully to each other, respecting the right of every child to have their opinions and voice heard. An example of this may be as part of the PSED Early Learning Goal where children are encouraged to make decisions together (such as deciding on the theme of the role play area) Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with this. All pupils contribute to the drawing up of a class charter. Children are actively encouraged to express their views and opinions through a wide range of lessons, including RE, PSHE and Philosophy for Children. Children have a voice through the School Council which has two members from every class throughout the school. These children nominate themselves and follow an application process which involves outlining why they would be a good member of the School Council. Their class decide who will best represent them through a class vote.
We listen to the views of children, staff and parents through regular surveys, using feedback to evaluate our practice.
The Rule of Law;
As soon as children start school with us, they are continually taught to recognise right from wrong and this is reinforced through our school values. Worship, circle time, PSHE lessons all teach children how to earn trust and respect and encourage them to do the right thing even when it is difficult. We have consistently high expectations of children's behaviour and children know what is expected of them. They also understand the reasons for our expectations (rules), that they are there to protect us and that there are consequences if they do not follow them. Our Behaviour policy is clear and positive and the children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour and recognise how it can impact others. A restorative approach is adopted. Children are made aware that rules and laws are there to 'keep us safe' and they are taught ways in which they can do so through basic rules of internet safety and personal safety.
Individual Liberty;
Lymington Infant School is a safe place for children where they can make choices about school life, knowing they are in a supportive environment. From their first days in Reception, children are encouraged to be autonomous by giving them ownership over their own learning. Through our Heartsmart PSHE programme, children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition. There are specific units relating to individual liberty including 'Don't Forget to Let Love In' and 'Too Much Selfie Isn't Healthy' Our extensive programme of enrichment clubs supports children to try new hobbies and gives adults further opportunities to spot talent and celebrate individuality.
Mutual Respect;
Our school is an inclusive environment and mutual respect is an integral part of our whole school ethos. Children are specifically taught to listen to others through circle time and Philosophy for Children sessions, as well as other class lessons. Our Restorative Practice approach supports the children to make good choices and resolve disagreements and disputes effectively and fairly. Through worship, circle time and a range of informal opportunities, children are taught to be supportive, collaborative and to look for similarities while being understanding of difference.
Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs:
Collective Worship is planned to give children the opportunity to reflect and learn about a variety of beliefs, cultures and values. We promote diversity through our curriculum which is planned to include a wide range of stories, books, experiences, visits and cultural events. The RE curriculum in particular, is carefully planned to ensure children are equipped with the knowledge to help them understand the diverse nature of peoples beliefs. Tolerance and understanding are explored through Philosophy for Children and circle times together with our Heartsmart PSHE programme.