The DfE have 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 throughout the year. At Brockley Primary School, these values are taught through our broad, balanced and enriched curriculum. Frequent opportunities to apply the key learning behaviours that support the school’s vision to create valued members of our community.
At Barrow Hill Primary Academy we actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views. British Values is an ongoing theme within our whole school assemblies.
Pupil voice is used as a tool for school improvement. Our Celebration Assembly held every Friday afternoon is an example of how we celebrate a pupil’s personal success and achievements in terms of learning behaviours and attitudes.
Parents complete a range of questionnaires as part of our ongoing consultation process throughout the year. These comments are used to improve the school. We have also established a Parent Voice Forum led by and for the parents, meetings are held termly and the information is shared with staff and the school community. Fundamental changes to the working day have been made as a result of this successful working partnership.
Pupil questionnaires have been used by subject leaders to prioritise actions and to evaluate the success/impact of change. This is an area school is keen to develop further.
The School Council plays an active part of the decision making process at Barrow Hill Primary Academy. Members are voted for by their peers and they regularly feature as a part of the whole school decision making process, taking and sharing information from their weekly meetings and then presenting back their findings in order that opinion can be sought.
The Rule of Law
A consistently applied Behaviour Policy is shared with the children. Opportunities are sought frequently to praise positive choices, through the use of raffle tickets and through Dojo's & Stickers. We have a new school shop, the children save up their rewards to make purchases. Pupils’ modelling behaviour consistent with the school’s high expectations are recognised and used as role models to others. Through assemblies and the school’s PSHE curriculum, children develop an understanding of law appropriate to their age. Access to high quality text gives pupils a safe way of exploring the ‘breaking’ of laws and an opportunity to discuss consequences when this occurs. Pupils are taught explicitly that laws keep us safe and our PSHE curriculum enables pupils the opportunity to recognise when they do and do not feel safe.
Visits from other external agencies such as the Fire service, Health professionals and ‘People who help us’ reinforces their understanding of the responsibilities held by various professions.
Protective Behaviours are taught across the school and every child is aware that they have the right to feel safe. They are also taught that there is nothing too awful that they cannot talk to an adult about.
Children are valued for their differences and there is a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs to enable children to try new things, develop new skills and practise existing ones. Care is taken to provide equal opportunities for all genders such as boys and girls sports teams.
Time and care is taken to know each child as an individual and regular circle time sessions give children a chance to share their feelings and options in a safe way.
Opportunities for children to take on more responsibility within the school are encouraged.
If pupils show disrespect to one another, this is dealt with immediately through our behaviour policy and Parents/Carers are contacted.
An Anti-Bullying week is held annually and various well-being events are held across the year. During these sessions, children are taught to value differences in others and themselves and to respect others.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
The school follows the agreed Derbyshire Religious Education (RE) syllabus which ensures that the children learn about all the religions of the world. Assemblies contribute to the knowledge of special occasions and children and their families come to share with the school information about how they celebrate these events at home. The local Reverend visits the school for community performances and talks to the children in assemblies; these talks coincide with main events occurring in the Christian calendar such as advent. Resources in classrooms are regularly audited to ensure that they reflect our multicultural society and stereotypes are challenged.