British Values at Ferry Lane Primary School

The document “Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools” says “Schools should 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”.  It is this list of values that are used below as a basis for this statement.

Promoting British Values Ferry Lane Primary School

At Ferry Lane Primary School, the importance of SMSC education in developing well-rounded global citizens who contribute to society and improve their communities has always been recognised and promoted as integral to membership of the school. British fundamental values have always been at the heart of what we do. When the term ‘British’ values is used it is important to underline that this embraces the fact that we are a nation with a proud history of people of many different ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs and secular values all living together in a plural society. Our school models this wider picture of inclusivity, freedom and equality, so our underpinning values are British to the core.

How do we promote these values?

The ways in which we achieve the requirement to promote British Values are many.

Democracy

We listen to children’s and parent’s voice. We make it clear that children are expected to contribute and co-operate, taking into account the views of others. Each class sees democracy in action as they elect members to represent them on the School Council, following hustings and a secret ballot. The School Council chooses its officers through an election and will often vote on proposals within meetings. Pupil voice is also heard as Classes raise issues to be fed back through School Council, class circle times, philosophy and class assemblies.

The Rule of Law

We consistently reinforce our high expectations of children. Children are taught that everyone has rights, as part of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which are indivisible, inalienable, inherent, universal and unconditional.  These rights cannot be taken away from any child but all children have the responsibility to respect the rights of others.  Children are supported in making good choices in class and around the school because understanding rights and responsibilities is a thread that runs through all school activity and is embedded in the curriculum.  It is based on our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Teamwork. These are communicated consistently in class, in the playground and across the school so that children are continually reminded about what makes a safe and happy community. To reinforce this message we have assemblies, class discussion and visits from the community such as the Police Service and Fire Service.

Individual liberty

Within school, children 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 children to make choices safely, through our provision of a safe environment and empowering teaching. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and to understand their responsibility for protecting the rights and freedoms of others. We provide a culture, environment and opportunity for children to make their own choices, recognising the need for their own and others’ safety and well-being. This is supported by a programme of E-safety lessons, the curriculum and assemblies.

Mutual respect

We recognise that everyone is important and special, and needs to be treated as such. Our behaviour policy, our school rules, the modelling of adults and pupil leaders as well as the explicit teaching through the curriculum and assemblies, actively promotes this value every day.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Our school community, like our country, has a richness that is due to the diversity of those who live here, and we value, embrace, and respect those from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. We aim to enhance children’s understanding of different faiths and beliefs by participating in a range of celebrations throughout the year, including special assemblies. Children have the opportunity to dress-up in clothes and try different foods from other cultures during our International Food Fairs and we encourage parents/carers to participate and support our multi-cultural events.