Cumberworth CE (A) First School – Statement of 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
• mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy. These were reiterated in 2014.

At Cumberworth CE (A) First School, these values are promoted through the daily experiences of life at our school and as part of our curriculum.

Democracy

Our children learn about democracy in different ways and are given opportunities to express their views and influence decisions made in school.

• Children vote for their class councillors who represent them at school council meetings. This is a sought after role and many children apply for the position
• Children complete pupil surveys where they are able to put forward their views about the school
• Children are involved in judging competitions that children have entered, e.g. Cumber worth’s Got Talent
• Our curriculum includes teaching about democracy and Parliament

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether class rules, school rules or UK laws are reinforced in school. Children know why laws are necessary and that everyone has a responsibility to uphold them. Children also known that when rules or laws are broken, there are consequences.

We promote the rule of law by:

• Sharing a common set of school rules that everyone in the school community adheres to
• Deciding upon classroom rules which are referred to regularly throughout the year as a way of reinforcing good behaviour
• Consistently applying the school’s positive behaviour policy
• Visits from the Police Service

Individual Liberty

Our children are encouraged to make choices and are given boundaries within which to make these choices safely. Some examples are:

• Expressing their views in class discussions and debates
• Through discussing issues in School Council and making decisions
• In KS2 children have a choice of school dinner
• Applying for class jobs
• Participation in extra-curricular activities of their choice

Mutual Respect

Respecting ourselves and each other is central to our aims and ethos. Mutual respect and understanding is promoted in school by:

• The day to day interactions between all members of the school community
• The consistent application of the school’s positive behaviour and anti-bullying policy
• Collective Worship where our children are taught to show respect to one another
• Taking part in competitive sport where our children learn to play fairly and to show respect towards their opponents

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We ensure that our children learn about different faiths, cultures and beliefs so that they are fully-equipped to live in a multi-cultural society.

• Our RE curriculum ensures that children learn about a variety of religions and religious festivals.
• Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
• Members of different faiths and religions are invited into school to talk to the children.
• Collective Worship includes learning about, and stories from, a variety of different faiths and cultures.