In 2011 the DfE  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. At Lilleshall Primary School these values are part of our whole school ethos and vision. They are reinforced and developed regularly in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is central to the life within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, The ECO Committee, Play Buddies and Pupil questionnaires and interviews. Governors participate in pupil voice activities which are fed in to the schools development plans. The elections of House Captains, Sports reps and committee members are based solely on pupil votes. The curriculum promotes opportunities for learning about democracy in a number of different contexts. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards and consequences which the pupils have established. They vote half termly for the pupil in their class they feel deserves recognition through the Pupil Award. Pupils are encouraged to approach the headteacher to share their views and opinions and this has led to changes within the school.

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 regular school days, 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. They are actively involved in defining rules for the classroom and other aspects of school life. Visits from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service etc are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message. During sporting activities and opportunities to work together the importance of rules and laws is reinforced to enable them to work together effectively and safely. News articles and events in the news are shared and discussed with pupils in assemblies.

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 young pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and to do this safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. They are also encouraged to reflect on their choices and consider the impact they have on others.

Mutual Respect:

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and Making Our Learning Fly, as well as our behaviour policy. Key 2 support pupils in other year groups with their reading and at playtimes.

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. Children have opportunity to visit multicultural places of worship. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Our curriculum ensures that a wide range of different faiths and beliefs are taught, including British Values.