British Values
Promoting British Values
The DfE has 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.
We value the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all students, staff and families. We teach our children to be tolerant and respectful towards others, embracing the differences in our community and the wider world. At Winford these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School house meetings. House meetings are made up of all pupils, grouped vertically in house groups. In these meetings students are able to discuss themes and issues which affect their life within the school. This voice is genuinely able to effect change within the school. During these meetings, we also discuss current matters or the value of the term.
In addition, students have the opportunity to have their voices heard through Student Voice activities whereby subject leaders, the Headteacher or governors meet with children to discuss their learning.
The Rule of Law
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty
Within school, 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 our children to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of which learning they follow on a Friday afternoon or of participation in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
We have a values-led approach to school worship and behaviour. “Respect” is both one of our core values and school rules. Children take part in discussions and collective worship related to what this means and how it is shown. Pupils also are mindful of others within their classes who are also demonstrating such values. Our ethos emphasises respect for others and this is reiterated through our practice and through policies (such as Behaviour and Anti-Bullying). We firmly believe that mutual respect is one of the key foundations of building relationships between pupils and between staff and pupils.
We actively promote courtesy and good manners towards all.
Although numbers from some groups may be low, our community is still made up of people from a wide range of backgrounds. We aim to promote the understanding and appreciation of different faiths and cultures both within our school and the wider world.
We actively monitor and tackle all forms of bullying and harassment (this includes cyber-bullying, prejudice-based bullying related to appearance, SEN, sex, race, religion and belief, disability).
At Winford we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values.
Please see our vision and value document for more information
