The children study British Values as part of the school’s Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) programme, Jigsaw. Through this programme, they explore themes such as democracy, respect, and individual liberty in a structured and engaging way. The DfE introduced Fundamental British Values “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. At Kates Hill Primary School, these values are part of our whole school vision and ethos. The British Values are visited throughout the school year, through assemblies focus days and the PSHE curriculum.
Democracy
Democracy is at the heart of our school life. Pupils have many chances to make their voices heard through the School Council, ECO Committee, and pupil questionnaires and interviews. Governors take part in pupil voice activities, which help shape the school’s development plans. Elections for school councillors, Eco reps, and peer supporters are decided entirely by pupil votes. Our curriculum offers various opportunities to learn about democracy in different settings. The school behaviour policy, including rewards and consequences, is created with input from the pupils. Pupils are also encouraged to share their views directly with the headteacher, leading to real changes in the school.
The Rules of Law
The significance of laws—whether for the school, classroom, or country—is consistently emphasised throughout the school day, including during assemblies and when addressing behaviour. Pupils learn why laws are important: they govern and protect us, come with responsibilities, and have consequences when broken. Pupils help set rules for their classrooms and other school areas. Regular visits from the Police, Fire Service, and other authorities reinforce this understanding. During sports and group activities, the importance of rules is highlighted to help pupils work together safely and effectively. Current news stories and events are shared and discussed in class and through displays to keep pupils informed and engaged.
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 the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and to do this safely, for example through our E-Safety, RSE and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. They are also encouraged to reflect on their choices and consider the impact they have on others.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core values such as respect and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown. The school PSHE programme specifically teaches children how to treat others with respect in a range of different situations, and this is actively encouraged and promoted in all aspects of school life.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Children have the opportunity to visit multicultural places of worship. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying take place as part of the RE and PSHE curriculum and as part of everyday experiences. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Our curriculum ensures that a wide range of different faiths and beliefs are taught over time.