British Values

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.”

The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values were reiterated in 2014.  At Ashby Hastings, these values will be reinforced regularly and in the following ways. We will ensure they is addressed with teaching and learning opportunities.

Democracy

Each year, the children will discuss and decide upon their rules and the rights associated with these. All the children will contribute to the drawing up these.

Children will have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We will develop a school council which will meet regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council will have its own budget and will be able to genuinely effect change within the school. The council members for each year group are voted in by their class.

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

There will also be a school worry box where children can express their views and concerns.

The Rule of Law

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, will be consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils will be 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service will help to reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils will be actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we will educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Pupils will be encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils will be given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children will learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community will treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

At Ashby Hastings, we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies will be regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE, PSHE and Citizenship curriculums reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions will be encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children will visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.

At Ashby Hastings, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views. Such extremist views which are manifested into any pupil will be approached as a child protection incident.