At Springdale First School, we value the diversity of the backgrounds of all pupils, families and the wider school community and strongly believe in upholding British values through all aspects of our school provision. 

The DofE states that there is a 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”. 

Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life, so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the wider world. 

What is meant by British values? 

Learning about British values forms a key part of children’s spiritual, moral, cultural and social education. The five British values that the Government has identified for schools to focus on are: 

• Democracy 

• The rule of law 

• Individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs 

• Developing personal and social responsibility 

• Respect for British Institutions 

How should we help our children prepare for adult life as citizens of Britain? 

• Develop their self-confidence and self-esteem. 

• Develop their understanding of right and wrong, and their respect for the law. 

• Encourage them to take responsibility for their behaviour. 

• Encourage involvement in the community and wider society. 

• Encourage respect for the public services and institutions of Britain. 

• Promote tolerance of and respect for all cultures and faiths. 

• Encourage participation in the democratic process. 

How does Springdale First School develop children’s understanding of British Values? 

Democracy  
Democracy is embedded at the school. Children are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through our School Council and regular questionnaires. The elections of the School Council members are based solely on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. School council work is not only to solve issues that the children raise but also have input into their curriculum and the standards of the school. 

 

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 regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. 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 Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message. 

 

Individual Liberty 
Within school, 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 young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. 

 

Mutual Respect 
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. The children know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to respect everything, however big or small. 

 

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs 
At Springdale First School, we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this. This helps young people feel secure in their own identity, while building confidence as they interact positively with people of different backgrounds and beliefs. Throughout all these activities, our children gain an enhanced understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.