British Values

At Chickerell Primary Academy, we actively promote British Values.

In June 2014, the DfE reinforced the need  for “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.”

Chickerell actively promotes British Values. As defined by the government, these are the values of:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Actively promoting also means challenging pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

We use the 'no outsiders' assembly programme to raise the children's awareness of this.

We promote British Values in the following ways:

Democracy

• Our School Council promotes the democratic process – pupils nominate and vote for their representatives within the School Council.  The council meets fortnightly. Reps feedback to their peers and bring any suggestions back to the school council meetings.
• Children create and adhere to class codes of conduct.  All children and staff took part in writing the Class and Playground charters.
• Children are encouraged to voice their opinions in formal and informal ways (suggestion boxes, questionnaires, e-safety group).

Individual Liberty

• Children are provided with boundaries which encourage them to make choices safely.
• Pupils are encouraged to respectfully express their views and beliefs.
• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities within school, such as:Head Boy and Girl, House Captains, Sports Captains, School Council, librarians, playground buddies and office assistants.
• Pupils have the opportunity and are encouraged to take part in a broad range of extra-curricular activities.
• Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example, through our PSHE AND RE lessons.
• Pupils know who to speak to if they are worried or concerned about themselves or others, e.g. teachers, support team, classroom worry boxes,postboxes, MyVoice system.

Respect of those of different faith and beliefs

• We celebrate major world religion festivals throughout the year in school assemblies and in class.
• Our RE and RSE curriculum provides children with a broad and balanced understanding of world religions and promotes respect for the beliefs of others.
• We provide resources to ensure that all pupils are effectively integrated into the teaching and learning process and the wider school community, including those that join at different starting points and those who have English as an additional language.

Mutual Respect

• Pupils work in teams, share ideas in public and show respect for other pupils’ opinions during class discussions and assemblies.
• School rules and Class Charters reinforce mutual respect.
• All members of the school community treat each other with respect and model this in behaviour with colleagues and pupils.
• The adult and children’s charters promote respect and are displayed in all areas of the school.
• Pupils work together in different groups and situations in different lessons and subjects.
• All pupils participate in live productions and class assemblies throughout the school year.

The Rule of Law

• We have clear rules and expectations of behaviour and a Whistle Blowing policy which is adhered to by all pupils, staff and other stakeholders..
• Attendance and punctuality is good and all stakeholders are aware of the importance of being at school.
• Pupils follow, respect and understand the need for different rules in different situations, i.e. PE lessons, school visits, classrooms and the playground.
• Pupils are awarded weekly certificates in recognition of their learning behaviours.
• Visits from emergency services and other professionals, reinforces the rule of law and the reasoning/purpose behind them.
• The school supports pupils in regulating their own behaviour to make choices for the well-being of themselves and others.