PROMOTING BRITISH VALUES...along with our UPS 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.”
At Urmston Primary School we have our own school values which fit in with these values and underpin our Aims & Values Statement. Our school values are reinforced every single day and 'British' values are discussed, particularly with regard to how they make us better people and better citizens. The British Values are as follows:
DEMOCRACY
Democracy underpins the values of the school. All children are treated fairly and have an equal right to express their views and be listened to. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Communication team, pupil questionnaires and school Friendship Groups. The School Council are elected democratically by their classmates in a ballot which introduces them to the principle of democratic elections.
RULE OF LAW
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced regularly, as well as specifically when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the reasons behind school rules and school values, taught the importance of observing those rules and understanding these values and what the consequences will be should they forget to follow any of the rules. This is all done with kindness, responsibility and respect at the core, understanding others' feelings and righting wrongs.
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 are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through friendship groups and PSHE lessons.
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 classroom rules as well as our Behaviour Policy. Children take part in discussions during Friendship Groups and Circle Time, when they are expected to treat the opinions and views of others with respect, even if they differ from their own. We emphasise that one of our most important values is to respect everybody.
TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS
All staff are committed to developing with the children the language needed to express their views, emotions and feelings so that children are able to negotiate with their peers and resolve any disagreements peacefully. We actively seek opportunities to enhance pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity through the real life experiences of their peers. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced based bullying are held and are supported by learning in RE and PSHE.
