British Values

British Values at Southbourne Infant School

There is an expectation from the DfE that we will ‘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’

We want our children to become responsible, active citizens who participate in democracy and public life with respect for diversity and a commitment to working towards greater community cohesion. Our spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our children and our school values of Following the Rainbow, are at the heart of our school. We emphasise the difference between right and wrong and we encourage respecting and tolerating differences in a very diverse and modern Britain. Our curriculum will enable children to make progress towards these aims. Through engaging lessons and appropriate activities, we can give them all a better understanding of themselves and others in the community in which they live.

At Southbourne Infant School, these values are regularly promoted through high quality teaching throughout the curriculum, a rounded programme of assemblies and a positive behaviour policy. Children become part of a friendly co-operative environment, where there is an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. Every child is made to feel that they have a vitally important role to play in the life of the school, where their achievements are recognised and acknowledged. The whole school community has the responsibility to work together to create a positive learning atmosphere, where we all show self-discipline, self-control and respect. The children have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in, and contribute to life in modern Britain. We encourage all stakeholders to feel a sense of community through our shared values.

Here are some examples of how you might see British Values at work in our school:

British Value

What does this look like?

Democracy

To understand and respect the democratic process
To contribute and co-operate, taking into account the views of others
To understand how they can influence decision making through a democratic process
To understand how to argue and defend a point of view
To understand the importance of teamwork

Children are treated fairly and have an equal right to express their views.

Children are listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard (Circle Time and Talking Partners)

We have a School Council which meets fortnightly; children have the opportunity to have their voices heard; they share ideas and express opinions

Children learn about democracy through their topics and literacy work; they sometimes have the opportunity to vote on various topics!

Children work in teams during lessons and in PE. Our sports days are run with teams made up from children across the school

Key questions are asked at the beginning of new topics; 'What do I already know and what do I want to find out?’

British Value

What does this look like?

The Rule of Law

The ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and apply this to their own lives
The ability to accept responsibility for their behaviour
To understand the consequences of their behaviour and actions
The ability to resolve conflict
To understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality and society more widely
To understand that living under the rule of law protects them and is essential for their well-being and safety

Rainbow values are embedded across the school and implemented from day one

Children are continually taught to recognise the difference between right and wrong

There is a consistent expectation and approach to behaviour across all classes and that there are consequences when rules are broken

There is consistent reinforcement of high expectations of all children

Children are asked to respond and reflect on their own learning as part of the marking process/policy

Specific safety rules are in place (Forest School, PE, playtime) and children are taught that they are there to protect us all

Forest School and Explorer Days provide an ideal opportunity for children to understand the importance of rules and the reason that rules can ensure their safety (eg fire circle, tool use) There are opportunities to discuss rule breaking during lessons (eg Goldilocks in literacy, Fair Play and rules in PE)

We maintain good levels of communication with parents, working positively with them regarding behaviour

British Value

What does this look like?

Individual Liberty

To know, understand and exercise rights and responsibilities
To be able to make choices in a safe and supportive environment
To understand that children have a choice and that they can ‘choose’ to make a difference to their own lives and those of others

Children are encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe, supportive and enabling environment

Children are expected to take responsibility for their own behaviour

Children are empowered by having their voices heard through the School Council that meets fortnightly and helps to shape the future of the school

Children are made aware of the importance of making the right choices and encouraged to reflect on these choices and the effect they can have on peers and adults (both good and bad)

Children are given opportunities to resolve conflicts effectively and fairly

Children can choose to join an after school club to further their skills and/or knowledge

Forest School provides the ideal opportunity for children to learn to assess their own risks

Our Year R outdoor area has large equipment that the children can build with, encouraging them to risk assess

When we go on trips, children understand the importance of staying safe (hi-viz jackets, partners, road crossing)

Children are taught through e-safety the importance of keeping safe by making the right choices

British Value

What does this look like?

Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Reflective about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise that inform their interest in and respect for different people's faiths, feelings and values
Reflective about their own experiences
Interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and being able to under-
Understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others
Use a range of social skills in different contexts, including working and socialising with children from different backgrounds
Understanding and appreciation of the range of different cultures as part of their preparation for life in modern Britain
Understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity as shown by their tolerance and attitudes

Respect is one of our behaviour values; the whole school community know and understand that it is expected and vital to show respect to everyone

Circle Time and Talk Partners are used across the school to actively support children to develop their own reasoned views, and to listen to and respect those of others, even if they differ from their own

Staff support the children to use the language needed to express their views, emotions and feelings so that they are able to negotiate with their peers and resolve disagreements peacefully and respectfully

PSHCE & RE lessons are carefully planned to equip the children with the knowledge which will enable them to understand the diverse nature of people’s beliefs, disabilities, and family situations; we help them to understand, accept and celebrate diversity

Assemblies are planned to give children opportunities to reflect on a variety of beliefs, cultures and moral values.

Our curriculum incorporates teaching and learning opportunities for children to explore aspects of the wider world and an appreciation of cultural diversity

Religious festivals (eg Divali, Chinese New Year) are celebrated

A range of different resources is used to support the entire curriculum to help pupils understand and welcome diversity

Equalities policies are followed and updated regularly

Children work in curriculum areas in different groupings (eg Talk Partners, Science Threes)

Children participate in community based activities (locality sports, festivals)

Visitors are invited into school to enrich and extend children's understanding

Visits are organised to enrich and extend children's understanding

As a school, we are committed to helping others, both locally, in the UK (eg Sport Relief, Children in Need, Save the Children) and globally (eg our close link with Melon School in Kenya)

British Values

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