British Values

At Cavendish Primary School we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and the wider school community. Our school reflects British values in all that we do and pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

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 contribution to British society. 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.

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

We recognise the diversity within our society and ensure that British Values are embedded within our curriculum and is integrated with the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) learning that takes place across all curriculum areas and school life. We actively promote British Values through challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values, modelling values through what we say and do and teaching British Values explicitly and implicitly through our curriculum and Collective Worship.

 Democracy: 

Many of our school routines are built upon the concept of democracy. All children have the opportunity as an individual, as a member of a class or a member of the school community, to influence decision making and to have a voice. They understand that they must use this voice responsibly. All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on a range of matters. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with compassion, to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.

The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and theme days.  Our ‘Big Questions’ involve pupils in decision making on how the theme curriculum is developed. Members of the School Council and pupils in Key Stage Two work hard to promote tolerance and understanding through school events especially those involving the community.

Children are regularly consulted both formally and informally about how their school might be improved. They see the example that is set with staff working cooperatively with parents, governors and each other to make the school the best it can be. How to work as a member of a team as well as team leadership are included in the curriculum for each year group.

Our school behaviour policy involves both rewards and sanctions, which the pupils have been involved in creating.

Rule of Law:

Children at Cavendish understand the need for rules to make our school a happy and safe learning environment. Our behaviour policy is shared and understood and this provides a basis on which we discuss other laws and rules and how they apply. School rules and expectations are clear, fair and promoted at all times by all staff. Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies, on the playground and around school. They are taught to understand the consequences of their behaviour and actions and be able to resolve conflict. 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. In different subjects we have specific ground rules for safety and comfort. Children are helped to understand the reasons for these. Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and Cavendish enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, etc. to help reinforce this message. They are taught to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality and society more widely and recognise that living under the rule of law protects them and is essential for their well-being and safety.

Individual Liberty:

At Cavendish, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices for all aspects of school life, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We educate and provide boundaries for all pupils to make choices safely while they are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. Pupils are encouraged to think independently and feel that they are able to express their ideas with confidence and that these are valued, for example, through our e-safety teaching and Jigsaw lessons. At the same time, they are encouraged to be sensitive to the needs of others and be supportive of their peers and members of the school community ensuring the safety of themselves and those around them. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support and policies reinforces the importance of making the right choices. 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.  The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents and reporting to parents. Collective worship, Jigsaw and RE are used to both explore and support the school and British values to ensure all pupils understand their rights and responsibilities.  Pupils have key roles and responsibilities around school including play leaders, mediators, school council representatives, ICT Ambassadors and Sports Ambassadors etc and by teaching the children how to manage and understand their rights and emotions they are motivated and equipped for the modern world.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs:

As a school which holds values at the core of its ethos, our school values and policies ensure all members of our school community 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 and staff model, demonstrate and promote respect for others as do the older children who have suitable, age related, roles and responsibilities. Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour and understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity as shown by their tolerance and attitudes.

 Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship with members of different faiths or religions invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in classrooms. Through the PSHE/RSE 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. Through a culturally rich and diverse curriculum all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our humanities topics and discrete Spanish language lessons.  Our well planned curriculum provides children with the opportunity to reflect on our school and British values celebrating differences through the experiences provided in lessons, in assemblies, through visitors and during visit to the local and wider community.

 All Year Round:

Religion and World Views curriculum and collective worship, diversity class texts, weekly PHSE and PE

Fundamental British Values underpin what it is to be a citizen in modern and diverse Great Britain valuing our community and celebrating the diversity of the UK. These values are:

1. Democracy

2. Rule of Law

3. Respect and Tolerance

4. Individual Liberty 

British Values in the EYFS Setting