Promoting British Values at Churchend Primary Academy

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, these are defined as: democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. At Churchend Primary Academy, we promote these values through our Values based Education philosophy as well as through the Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural development of our pupils. They are reinforced in a positive manner and are widespread in our school community.

These values are enshrined in five key principles:

• democracy
• the rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

These values flow through Churchend, from our ethos and vision, to our policy and practice in the classroom. We expect all those within our school community to live by these principles so that we develop a harmonious and cohesive school community.

As a community, we believe in an ethos where children of all backgrounds and cultures are welcomed and valued; all children will make the very best progress that they can; leaving us confident to participate and take a lead role in society.

We believe our pupils should demonstrate outstanding behaviour and self-discipline, supported by parents and our partners in the wider community.

Staff have completed Prevent training at Churchend Primary Academy.

At Churchend Primary Academy, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Each year the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter.

We have a student council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised by other pupils. The council works to effect change within the school. Every child on the student council is voted in by their class. They meet regularly with the Headteacher and members of the Governing Body. They also meet regularly with the catering manager to discuss lunchtime arrangements and meals.

Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school. These are shared with the Governing Body.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Churchend Primary Academy.

Pupils are taught from an early age the values of the school. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

Individual Liberty

At Churchend Primary Academy, 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 young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. 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 eSafety and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Churchend Primary Academy is a diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.