Teaching British Values at Mossfield Primary School

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, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister. At Mossfield Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Democracy underpins a lot of the work we undertake with our children. Pupil voice is a crucial part of our ethos and belief that all children’s voices should be heard.

Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard though our school council and PHSE lessons. Elections for school council representatives are undertaken in each class. Children are always able to voice their opinions and we foster an environment where children are safe to disagree with each other.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, is reinforced through our curriculum as well as when dealing with behaviour, and through school assemblies. The school’s behaviour and pastoral ethos has at its core the principle of making the correct choices in life and adhering to our key beliefs of being friendly, kind, committed, proud and fair. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and help to reinforce this message.

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 pupils to make choices safely. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it is through choice of challenge, of how they record work, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

Respect is consistently and frequently discussed with the children through circle time, assemblies, and school councils. Our behaviour and pastoral ethos is based on ensuring all children respect one another and can value everyone as individuals.

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.

Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.

Prevent Duty Statement

On 1 July 2015 the Prevent duty (section 26) of The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 came into force. This duty places the responsibility on local authorities and schools to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

Mossfield Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is as important as safeguarding against any other vulnerability.

All staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We believe that children should be given the opportunity to explore diversity and understand Britain as a multi-cultural society; everyone should be treated with respect whatever their race, gender, sexuality, religious belief, special need, or disability.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and child protection we fully support the Government's Prevent Strategy.