British Values

The DfE have 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.”

Promoting Fundamental British Values:

At Newnham Infant and Nursery School we actively promote fundamental British values as part of our broad and balanced curriculum that promotes spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development for all our pupils at school.  All members of the school community encourage children to learn alongside each other happily and harmoniously, and are committed to provide the equality of opportunity which all children need, and are entitled to, in order to gain access to the curriculum.  Differences between children are recognised and celebrated and we give all children every opportunity to develop their independence.  Every child is encouraged to ensure that their rights and the rights of others are respected.  Our ultimate aim is to give all our children the confidence and enthusiasm to become lifelong learners.

The Key Values are: 

• democracy
• rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Promoting Democracy:

We listen to children’s and parent’s voice. Our school Behaviour Policy states clearly that children are expected to contribute and co-operate in the well-being of our school, and to take into account the views of others. Children often have the chance to have their own voices heard by voting and expressing opinions about what happens through school questionnaires and our elected School Council and Eco Squad members. Our PSHE Jigsaw curriculum also promotes small group and class discussions. 

Promoting The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Children are taught the reasons behind school rules, taught the importance of observing those rules and what the consequences will be should they forget to follow any of the rules. At the start of the year, each class discusses the school rules and routines and then creates their own agreed class charter. The class charters are then signed and displayed in each class. Visits from authorities such as the Police reinforce the message that we all have a responsibility to follow laws and that there are consequences when laws are broken.

Promoting Individual Liberty:

Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe, caring and supportive environment. As a school, we support children to make their own decisions and take risks in a safe and supportive environment. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and the responsibilities that come with choice. We give children individual choices through learning challenges, playtime activities and school clubs. 

Promoting Mutual Respect:

Our children thoroughly enjoy lessons and are active learners who display very good behaviour because they understand the right of all children to learn and thrive in an atmosphere of mutual respect. The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our class charters as well as our Positive Behaviour Policy. Children take part in discussions during Jigsaw lessons when they are expected to treat the opinions and views of others with respect, even if they differ from their own. All staff promote the importance of teamwork in many areas of school life. We promote both Kindness and Friendship Weeks during the school year. Children receive certificates in assemblies linked to our School Values. 

Tolerance of and respect for those of all faiths, no faith, different cultures and lifestyles:

This is achieved through activities aimed at developing our children's understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies, festival celebration days and class work involves discussions and activities to celebrate our diverse community of different faiths and different cultural heritage. Using age appropriate language we aim to educate our children about prejudices and prejudice-based issues by learning about these issues in RE and SMSC. The children experience such diversity through the real life experiences of their peers. We also encourage members of different faiths or religions to share their knowledge to enhance learning. Each year we have an International Week where children gain knowledge about different cultures around the world.

What do we want our curriculum to achieve?

We actively promote British values in school to ensure our children leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. 

Children 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.

How do we achieve this?