British Values

At Savile Park Primary School we provide high quality teaching and learning experiences in a caring and supportive environment, where all members of our school community reach their full potential. We respect and value each other, raise self-esteem and develop positive relationships.

We aim to ensure that through our school vision, rules, curriculum and teaching we promote tolerance and respect for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles. We have a duty to prepare our children for life in modern Britain and to keep them safe. We value the importance of the current Ofsted guidance:

“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.”

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated (2014). At Savile Park Primary these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Savile Park. Democracy is embedded within the school and is central to how we operate.

Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard though our school council, meeting with the learning mentors. Year groups 2-6 has a selected pair of school councillors chosen by their class peers. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards and sanctions; this is shared through all aspects of school life and also with parents and carers.

The election of the school council members reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action. Made up of two representatives from each class, the school council meets regularly to discuss issues raised. The council is able to genuinely effect change within the school; in the past, the school council petitioned to Initial for improvement in the school meals.

Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. We encourage pupils to take ownership of not only their school but also of their own learning and progress. This encourages a heightened sense of both personal and social responsibility and is demonstrated on a daily basic by our pupils.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws is consistently reinforced throughout the school day. 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. The school behavioural policy is clearly displayed in every classroom and sets out expected behaviour and associated rights across the school. Each class also decide upon their own behaviour charter which is displayed within each classroom.

Circle time is used as an opportunity to discuss difficult situations that benefit from whole class discussion. Keeping safe when using the internet is regularly discussed with children in computing lessons and in assemblies. All members of the school community sign our Acceptable Use Policy and pledge to use the internet safely.

The school has very good links with authorities such as the Police and Fire Service, who regularly visit and help to reinforce the Rule of Law.

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 pupils to make choices, through provision of a safe environment and an 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, in computing through our E-Safety policy.

Savile Park pupils are given the freedom to make many choices, be this in class, through their choice of learning strategies, in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, through fundraising or sporting opportunities or their choice of learning a musical instrument.

Mutual Respect

At Savile Park Primary School, mutual respect is at the heart of our ethos and values. Children learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. There are many opportunities to develop this across the school curriculum.

Children are encouraged to work in collaboration as much as possible either in their class, with other year groups, as play leaders and sometimes with other schools in sport, RE or at music celebrations.

All members of the school community treat each other with respect. We publish our behaviour policy on the school website as well as in every classroom. Assemblies throughout the year on inspirational people such as the Life of Martin Luther King, reflects this ethos.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We value the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families and undertake a variety of events and curriculum provision to celebrate these. Underpinning this is a range of curriculum topics which have strong links to the British Empire.

Assemblies are regularly planned to include stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. On a general level, the school undertakes class discussions that uphold traditional values of empathy, respect and tolerance. These are also taught within formal SEAL, PSHE and RE lessons and on an informal nature throughout the school days.

At Savile Park Primary we actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.