Promoting Fundamental British Values

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values at Therfield First School to ensure that our young pupils leave our school prepared for life in modern Britain. Our pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance; understanding that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

The key British Values are:

• democracy
• rule of law
• individual liberty
• mutual respect
• tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

At Therfield First School, we promote and celebrate British Values through the curriculum as well as within the life and work of the school.  

Democracy:

The children learn about democracy in a range of contexts which are meaningful to them - for example, school council, leadership roles, within whole school assemblies, pupil questionnaires and through the curriculum.  There are many opportunities for our children to develop their 'pupil voice' and they are integral to the continual development of the school.  

The Rule of Law:

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout each day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies.  Clear structures and frameworks help children to develop an understanding of how laws and rules benefit everyone.  Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws/rules are broken.  Within the school, children see the Rule of Law in action through the school's Code for Success, class rules, playtime rules, teachings about staying safe and within many curriculum subjects.

Individual Liberty:

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  Through a clear framework of expectations, boundaries are provided which allow our children to feel empowered to make their own choices.  Children are respected as individuals, and are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms.  Reception children make independent choices during child-initiated learning.  Children choose what they would like to eat at lunch time and how they would like to spend their outside play and lunch times.  Children can participate in a range of lunch time and after school clubs.  

Mutual Respect:

Mutual respect is at the heart of our Code for Success; Be Ready, Be Respectful, Be Safe.  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. Our children show respect across the curriculum, particularly when learning about the lives and achievements of others.  

Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs:

At Therfield, we celebrate diversity and embrace the fact that everyone is different.  This is a theme regularly explored during the weekly whole school assembly with the headteacher.  We teach children about different world faiths and celebrate the different cultures and beliefs within our school community.  Underpinning this, are a range of curriculum themes, which include the study of diverse cultures and traditions.  

We are committed to challenging pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including 'extremist' views.  

British Values is also taught as an integral part of our weekly Jigsaw PSHE programme.