What are British values?

According to Ofsted, British values are:

Democracy
The rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect

Democracy

Democracy is very important in our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and regular pupil surveys. The elections of the members of our School Parliament are based solely on pupil votes.

The rule of law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour issues and through school assemblies. Our pupils had an important role in deciding and agreeing School Rules.

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.  Visits from authorities such as the fire service are part of our provision and help reinforce these messages.

Individual liberty

All of our pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through our provision of a safe environment and empowering education.

Pupils learn about their rights and personal freedoms and are encouraged to know, understand and exercise these through, for example, our e-safeguarding provision and values lessons.

Mutual respect

Our school vision and aims – which underpin everything we do as a school – focus on the importance of all pupils and staff living our values, one of which is respect. Pupils are regularly involved in discussions related to what this means and how it is shown through our values lessons and assemblies. Posters around our school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and school rules, as well as our behaviour policy and guidelines.