British Values Statement:
At Reed First School we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and the wider school community.
The Department for Education states that there is a 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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:
- Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
- Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
- Support for equality of opportunity for all
- Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
- Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children in learning together, learning for life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be resilient, unique, aspirational and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world. Wherever possible, we take a global approach to learning by introducing themes from the perspective of other people in other countries.
At Reed First School, we actively promote British values in the following ways:
DEMOCRACY
- House group assemblies/School Council/Eco reps – All children wanting to take on a role or responsibility, is invited to apply for the position. To ensure equality, children are able to apply through a variety of methods and mediums, for example, letter writing, video presentations or illustrations. All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil surveys.
- The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days. For example, children explore democracy in Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education and compare experiences this in the lives of significant people as well as their own. The children also as House groups, work democratically to decide whether they wish to spend or save their House points earned through demonstration of our school values.
RULE OF LAW
- Our school sets out clear expectations for all members of our community. These are discussed and reviewed during Talking group sessions which are led by our School Council.
- Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground. We have a restorative model of supporting behaviour and the children are strongly involved in the reflections, next steps and any consequences for the choices they make.
- Pupils are regularly reminded about their ‘Rights and Responsibilities’ and about how these are linked.
- Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and enjoy visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, etc. to help reinforce this message.
INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY
- Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
- Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
- 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 e-safety teaching and PSHE lessons.
- Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. This is also reflected in pupil and parent surveys.
- Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. House Captains, school council representatives, eco reps.
MUTUAL RESPECT AND TOLERANCE OF THOSE WITH DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS
- Respect is one of the core values of our school. Pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
- Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
- Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
- Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. e.g. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class.
- Through the PSHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
- We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our humanities topics and discrete language lessons (French). We actively invite members of our wider community to support our curriculum by inviting families to contribute their knowledge to our teaching. For example, use of Continent Days to celebrate and explore countries our families have close links to. These curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values.
Our core values:
- Independence
- Resilience
- Respect
- Aspiration
Our vision:
Our school is warm and inclusive, a place where families are welcomed and involved as part of our community. Our children’s experiences are memorable and take into account their individual needs, interests and aspirations. Staff encourage and model growing minds and celebrate those who independently seek challenge and show resilience as part of the learning journey. Pupils become confident life-long learners who leave us ready for the next stage of their learning for life and as citizens of the future.
We achieve our vision through:
- A happy, welcoming and safe environment
- An engaging indoor and outdoor environment
- Active and inspiring learning
- Teaching a skills based curriculum
- Opportunities which are rich and varied
- Recognising each member of our school as an individual
- High expectations for pupils within a supportive framework
- Demonstrating and expecting high levels of behaviour
- Working in partnership with parents and the wider community
- Support from an active and committed governing body
