British Values

Promoting British Values

The DfE have recently 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, and these values were reiterated in 2014. At Southfields these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

We have a school council which meets every half term. to discuss issues raised within school. Every child on the school council is voted in by their class. The council make decisions about a range of things.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Southfields.

Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and 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.

The Individual Liberty

At Southfields, 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 informed choices. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online Safety and PSHCE lessons.

Children are able to make choices about joining extra-curricular clubs, what to present in class assemblies and the level of challenge in some lessons.

Mutual Respect

We have a school council which meets every half term. to discuss issues raised within school. Every child on the school council is voted in by their class. The council make decisions about a range of things.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons, assemblies and PSHCE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. The children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths and denominations.