British Values
At Sandford Hill Primary School we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and 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 on their journey through 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 creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.
At Sandford Hill Primary School, we actively promote British values in the following ways:
Democracy
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 through the School Council. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys. The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days. Members of the School Council visit local council chambers as well as the Houses of Parliament. Our School Council is elected by its peers. The school behaviour policy involves rewards which the pupils have discussed.
Rule of Law
Each class follows ‘The School Charter’ which is integral to our every day learning and ethos. School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted. Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground. Pupils are encouraged to respect the law. Sandford Hill Primary School enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, etc. to help reinforce this message. We also enrol children on The Police Cadets course, which is run by our local P.C.S.O. The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents and carers.
Mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths
Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that respect is shown to everyone. 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. Through the P.S.H.E. and R.E. curriculum, pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people; including differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender and differences of family situations. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in R.E. and P.S.H.E.