Statement on British Values
There is a statutory duty for schools to promote fundamental British values. The Department for Education (DFE) 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 DFE defines the Fundamental British Values as:
At Parklands Infant and Nursery School we value the diversity of all pupils, families and wider school community. We understand our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern day Britain and the role they will play and the contribution they will make as a 21st centurion.
We ensure that the Fundamental British Values are promoted through all aspects of school life and run through our school ethos of the ‘Parklands Person’ (Safe, Kind, Polite, Positive, Important and Respectful). FBV are promoted through the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 curriculums, through the variety of opportunities we provide for our learners, families and wider community and through our spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development.
Democracy:
We have equal rights. We know that we have rights as children.
Our children are encouraged to voice their opinions on a variety of matters contributing to school life; pupil voice and interviews, pupil surveys, through Pupil Council matters, classroom decisions, pupil vote. The principle of democracy is explored through the curriculums, assemblies and ‘well-being days’. Learners have a voice in school policies which will directly affect them such as the Behaviour Management Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy.
Rule of Law:
We follow the rules in our school. We understand the consequences of our actions.
Children are encouraged to think about rules and the need for rules. They understand that the school has rules in place and these must be respected as must rules for their classroom. The concept of a wider rule of law is promoted through lessons, assemblies and through visits from authorities such as the police, fire service and ambulance service. The school has a behaviour management strategy which is clearly promoted to all learners and sets high expectations for behaviour. There is a clear anti-bullying policy and safer internet use policy which is communicated to the children in a variety of ways.
Individual Liberty:
We know that we are all special. We can make our own choices about what activities we would like to do. We can talk about our own ideas and opinions.
Within school children are encouraged to express their preferences, given the freedom to make choices and supported to ‘take risks’ and challenge themselves in a safe and comfortable environment. Children are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. They understand through our ‘Parklands Person’ ethos that they are important and what they have to say is important. Children are encouraged to understand and exercise their personal rights and freedoms in a safe and positive way, for example, being taught in Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education that they have the power of consent. Vulnerable children are protected and stereotypes challenged. Our clear anti-bullying code has embedded a culture where any form of bullying is challenged, addressed and resolved. Our pupils take on key roles and responsibilities within the school such as Pupil Councillors, members of the Safeguarding Team, Playground Buddies and members of the ECO Team.
Respect
We understand and respect the roles of people who help us. We treat everyone equally. We listen to and respect other people’s opinions and values.
Respect is a fundamental school value around which much of the school ethos pivots through the Parklands Person. Children are encouraged to understand what respect means and demonstrate this through their behaviour in school, in the community and at home. 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 with Different Faiths and Beliefs:
We know that different people might have different ideas or opinions or beliefs to us.
Parklands is situated in an area which is not culturally diverse, therefore we place an emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures.
Children are encouraged to have respect for their own culture, faith, and beliefs and cultures, faith, and beliefs of others which may differ to their own. Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial and/or discriminatory behaviour as set out in our Equalities and Diversity Policy. The school has a named Equalities and Diversity Governor. We offer a culturally rich and diverse creative curriculum. Major religions are studied more specifically through Religious Education/Understanding the World and the children are taught about a wide range of faiths, cultures and beliefs. Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. Curriculum topics offer learners the chance to reflect on core values and the Fundamental British Values.