Promoting British Values at Kennall Vale School
In November 2014, the Department for Education published guidance on promoting British values in school to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.
All schools have a duty to “actively promote” the fundamental British values:
- democracy
- the rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
At Kennall Vale, we ensure that these values are embedded throughout the curriculum and in our ethos.
Democracy
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a School Council which discuss issues raised in classes. Councillors and are elected by the children. We hold an annual survey in which children are able to put forward their views about the school which are then addressed by senior leadership and Governing Body, enabling the children to understand how their voices can influence decision making. Governor Committee groups will always obtain pupil voice when carrying out a monitoring visit to the school. This is then reported to the Full Governing Board termly.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day and through the school’s Relationships and Behaviour policy. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules (laws), the responsibilities that these involve and the consequences when rules are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, the Fire Service or local lifeguards help reinforce these messages.
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. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to do this safely, for example through e-safety and PSHE. Our Behaviour management focuses on pupils taking responsibility for their own behaviour and the need to make good choices; this is clearly linked to our rewards and sanctions. We also actively promote an anti-bullying culture through assemblies and our PSHE curriculum.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different Faiths and Beliefs
Mutual respect is a key value that we promote throughout the school. All members of the school community treat each other with respect and children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.