British Values

Compasssion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.

Dalai Lama

The DfE have stated 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.’

Lenthall Infant and Nursery School are committed to serving the community and surrounding areas. At Lenthall Infant and Nursery School, we recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith, and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. We consider British Values to be essential to our everyday lives so that the young people in our care grow up to be well-rounded, responsible, considerate, and caring human beings. We promote them as part of our duty as educators to encourage free-thinking and reasoned decision-making, whilst engendering tolerance and understanding amongst everyone in our school community. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the government last year. At Lenthall these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways: engaging in the community, assemblies that tackle themes of discrimination, visitors to the school, and learning challenges that raise important questions about life in Britain.

The examples that follow show some of the many ways Lenthall Infant and Nursery School seeks to embed British values.

Democracy

We have an active School Council at Lenthall Infant and Nursery School and every child who is a school council representative is voted in by their class. Topics for discussion are identified with the children, then all pupils have an opportunity to contribute to their class's ideas. The school council meets regularly with the Headteacher for feedback on class discussions in a range of areas.

At the beginning of each academic year, each class works with its teacher to agree on class rules.

Other examples of democracy within the school include voting on favourite books and when making decisions about how best to use the class budgets.

Children have an annual questionnaire in which they are able to put forward their views about the school.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those linked to the class, the school, or the country, are addressed at Lenthall Infant and Nursery School through our everyday interactions, through our school assemblies and also when dealing with behaviour in school.

On entry to the Foundation Stage pupils are taught the rules of the school - our ‘Golden Rules’ and the school values – B.E. P.R.O.U.D. Golden Rules are displayed around the school and within classes to promote consistency. Class rules are agreed upon and shared in each class for ensuring our children understand how to work harmoniously with one another. Playground rules are taught and reinforced early in the academic year.

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and rewards and consequences are explained to them. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At Lenthall Infant and Nursery School, children are encouraged to make independent choices, with the knowledge that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment.

We support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. Children are taught, through the PSHCE curriculum as well as assemblies, to respect others and let others have a voice. We encourage independence as far as possible and independence is promoted through the learning behaviours which are modelled discretely and actively encouraged. The content of the Derbyshire Matters scheme of work, ‘Being Me and Difference and Diversity’ is very relevant here.  We also implement a clear anti-bullying culture and use protective behaviours work.

 Mutual Respect

This area is well covered, both through our curriculum and in assemblies. Respect is one of our school values and is evident in day-to-day interactions. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

This is well covered through the RE curriculum and assemblies where our pupils begin to find out about differences and similarities between faiths.

We follow Derbyshire’s agreed RE syllabus that develops pupils' knowledge and understanding of different faiths. Children are able to visit places of worship that are important to the faiths we cover as part of the curriculum.

Equal Opportunities

Every child is entitled to learn about British Values regardless of age, culture, gender, background or special need or disability. British Values develops a shared view of what it means to be British compromising the faith, non-faith or cultural background of any pupil.

To maintain this, at Lenthall Infant and Nursery School we will actively challenge pupils, parents or staff who express opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ or discriminatory views. Should you feel the school is not meeting this requirement, you should contact the school office and request to express your concerns to the Headteacher.

 Lenthall Infant and Nursery School British Values

Listen with ears of tolerance.

See through the eyes of compassion.

Speak with the langauge of love.

Rumi