Promoting British Values
The DfE have recently 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.”
At Bradshaw Hall these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.
Democracy
Each year the children decide upon their class charter/classroom rules and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the rules.
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council has a budget and is able to effect change within the school. Two council members for each year group are voted in by their class.
Each week staff are able to nominate and vote for children to achieve a “Golden Award”. Children have questionnaires with which they are able to put forward their views about the school. In 2021-2022 we asked the children about staying safe, bullying and improving the playground.
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 regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are 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 help reinforce this message.
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 provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our 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 are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. We use every opportunity to promote the 9 protected characteristics which are also highlighted in our schemes of work across school.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Bradshaw Hall is situated in an area which is culturally diverse, therefore we place an emphasis on promoting and celebrating diversity and similarities with the children. Assemblies are 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 philosophy teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.
At Bradshaw Hall we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.
