British Values at Riverside Primary School & Nursery

 

The Department for Education has reinforced the 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."

At Riverside Primary School & Nursery, we believe that our school aims, including our fully inclusive ethos and values of equality and respect, fully support British Values. We continually promote British Values through the rich and varied curriculum offer which supports the "whole child", equipping our children with the skills to become successful and fulfilled British citizens in adulthood. We have a permanent display related to British Values and teachers refer to these and their meaning in lessons and through assemblies.

We are committed to embracing the diversity within our local and wider community, whilst recognising the role we play in keeping children safe from radicalisation. We actively challenge any agency, individual or group who may pose a risk to children's safety or who wish to intimidate or unduly or illegally influence them.

The five key British Values are:

• Democracy

• The rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

At Riverside, we promote British Values in a variety of ways including:-

Democracy

Children at Riverside understand the democratic process through the election of School Council representatives. School Council representatives offer a pupil voice and form part of the decision making process for the school.  Through pupil, parent and staff questionnaires/surveys the community voice is used to influence the School Development Plan. Pupils are confident that they will be listened to by adults in the school and that they need to listen to the views of others, with respect and consideration. The curriculum provides pupils with the opportunity to learn how to argue and defend points of view. 

The rule of law

The importance of laws and rules is constantly reinforced at Riverside, whether they govern the class, school or country. Through lessons and assemblies, children are taught the reasons for following the law or rules and the consequences of breaking them, both in school and in the wider community. Each class discusses and sets out their own rules each year, in line with the school's expectations.  These are outlined in the Home/School Agreement which is signed annually by the child, parent and school.

The school Behaviour Policy and Trust  Safeguarding Policy all ensure that children at Riverside are kept safe and know what to do in order to keep themselves safe. They know they are protected by the school rules and British law, and that there are consequences for those who may break the rules or law. We practice restorative justice in school so that children can express how they feel and know that consequences are actioned and appropriate. Children are taught about the laws of the land and how these are enforced. PCSOs visit the school and talk to the children about their role in ensuring the public follow rules.  Local Magistrates give talks to the older children and help them to understand the judicial process and how the law is applied in England.

Individual liberty

At Riverside, we pride ourselves on how we enable all pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. As a fully inclusive school, with two special provisions, we use a range of strategies to develop independence and support individual aspirations. All pupils are free to express their views in a safe and appropriate manner. There are ample opportunities throughout the curriculum to take part in discussions and debates and all views are given full regard. Pupils know they are listened to and treated with respect. 

At Riverside, pupils access the curriculum and extra-curricular activities regardless of ability, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Pupils know that they are free from discrimination and there are very few incidents of bullying, homophobic or racial abuse. The inclusion of our special provisions within the mainstream classes ensures that all children have a good understanding of disability and are caring and supportive of each other. 

 We remember those who have given their lives to preserve our individual liberty in this country and we have a permanent Remembrance Day display. In order to encourage future aspirations, we hold a Jobs Fair for our upper Key Stage 2 children. Pupils have the opportunity to talk to employees from different trades and professions, asking questions and trying out the tools of the trades. This has inspired many pupils to think of future careers and learning journeys, and the positive contribution they can make to our society.

Mutual respect

Respect is a fundamental part of our school vision and values. These values are shared with the pupils regularly through assemblies, PSHE, class and school rules and school policies. There is a shared vocabulary used by all adults to promote respect and children understand and use this shared language. All adults lead by example and have high expectations of themselves and others. The good relations between parents/carers and the school, help to promote and demonstrate mutual respect.

We have a termly Inclusion newsletter which celebrates differences and supports those living with an additional need. Our Inclusion policy and inclusive ethos, ensures that mutual respect and understanding of individual needs are encouraged and supported, and are an integral part of the Riverside community.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

At Riverside, we look at the main world faiths and beliefs as part of the Religious Education curriculum and through assemblies. Children's understanding and respect for different faiths and beliefs are enhanced through the wider curriculum and visits and visitors, such as to the local Synagogue and Gurdwara. We recognise and celebrate different religious festivals such as Diwali and teach children about the similarities and differences of different faiths. Our displays throughout the school celebrate different religions and cultures, and children accept that other people may have different faiths and beliefs to themselves, or may have none. We hold special events or weeks, in order to teach children about their place in our culturally diverse society, such as Chinese New Year dancing and Multi-Cultural week.

Family Trust deliver assemblies, with a Christian theme, promoting values of respect, tolerance and individuality. We hold regular charity events and pride ourselves on the work we do to help others who are sick or less fortunate.

Our Equal Opportunities policy ensures that there is no discrimination of access due to holding faiths and beliefs. Any prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour is not tolerated and we actively challenge any pupil, staff or parent/carer demonstrating discriminatory or extremist views.