British Values at Spring Meadow Primary School and Nursery

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.” Teaching of British Values is expected to form part of a “broad and balanced curriculum”, including a balanced approach to religious education and a rounded programme of assemblies.

Actively promoting these values means challenging pupils, staff or parents/carers who express opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including ‘extremist’ views. Spring Meadow Primary School and Nursery is committed to promoting fundamental British Values in the following ways.

Democracy

Pupil voice, as well as parent and carer voice, plays a central part in developing school improvement priorities. The school is clear in demonstrating how pupils should contribute and co-operate and consider the views and needs of others.

Our Pupil Parliament meets regularly and contribute their views around key topics and improvement priorities both at our school and also the wider community through participation in the Harwich Education Partnership (HEP) joint School Council.

Parents have the opportunity to share their views through our Parent Forum and the joint HEP Parent Forum.

The Rule of Law

Staff consistently reinforce high expectations of pupils who are taught the value and reasons behind these expectations (rules), that they are there to protect us, that everyone has responsibility and that there may be consequences when rules are disregarded. Our three school rules – ‘Ready, Respectful, Safe’ – play a key role in establishing and maintaining high expectations of behaviour throughout the school.

Individual Liberty

Within school, everyone is actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. The school provides pupils with opportunities to learn about what makes a good choice. Pupils are encouraged to express their views and teaching and learning incorporates their preferences and interests.

Mutual Respect

At Spring Meadow Primary School, we respect all members of our school and wider community. Positive, inclusive relationships underpin all that we do and this engenders a climate within which pupils feel safe and secure and facilitates the fulfilment of potential. All staff demonstrate respect to everyone they come into contact with. They consistently model and promote the behaviours and attitudes that are the foundation of positive relationships. The strong school ethos encourages everyone to consider and support each other and to celebrate the worth and individuality of every member of the school community.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

At Spring Meadow, we embrace and celebrate differences of all kinds. Our school’s curriculum aims to develop understanding of the world. The RE and PSHE schemes of work provide opportunities for pupils to develop empathy and understanding towards those from different faiths, beliefs and cultures and include awareness and respect for all of the protected characteristics as defined in law.