Christ Church First
School
British Values
Promoting British Values at Christ Church First School
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 2011, and these values were reiterated in 2014.
At Christ Church First School, we aim for our children to become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background. We promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs in the following ways:
Democracy
We have a School Council with members from EYFS to Year 4. These children have election campaigns and are voted for by their class. The Council meets regularly and in the meetings the children’s views and ideas on a range of school issues are sought and they help make decisions. The School Council also collect class views which they bring to their meetings and are involved in fund raising for the school. We visit the Council offices to see how the council works and get involved in schemes for young people in Frome – giving our ideas and feedback on what is good and not so good about our area,
The Rule of Law
Children are taught from the beginning the ‘values’ of the school. Pupils are taught the importance of and reasons behind our school ‘values’, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when the ‘values’ are not kept. Each class are taught our ready, respectful, safe mantra alongside our kind hands, kind feet, kind mouths understanding. We have a variety of rewards when children keep the ‘values’ including marble jars for class treat, Paddy Pride teddy bear for extra playtime, the opportunity to be star of the day, and tea with SLT. These show children our values are special and in keeping them they will be rewarded.
Individual Liberty
Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Making choices is key part the way we want children to learn and of the school vision, which children learn about through assemblies and PHSE work. Through our work we discuss different choices that the children can make and encourage them to make the right choices. We look at Online safety as a key part of the Computing curriculum and the importance making safe choices when online.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. The children and staff often work with other schools in our collaboration and with the local Church which develops their respect for others in the wider community.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
All different faiths and beliefs are explored and celebrated through assemblies, RE sessions and a variety of visitors into school. The children are taught that people have different faiths and beliefs and that these should be accepted. Children within our school with different faiths are encouraged to share their practices and special celebrations. Our school also has a link with Christ Church in Frome and we have a visiting minister who regularly does assemblies for us, alongside the Open the Book Club who dramatise bible stories with the help of our children.