British Values
British Values at Woodlands
These values were first set out by the government in the ‘Prevent’ strategy in 2011 and the Prevent duty for schools and childcare providers (2015).
At Woodlands, we aim to give our pupils a deep understanding and knowledge of themselves and others in the “community of communities” in which we live.
We want our pupils to become thoughtful, compassionate, responsible and active citizens who are able to thrive in a diverse modern Britain. We also want them to contribute fully to the life of our school in the here and now, and to provide them with an effective social and emotional toolkit of skills, values, attributes, knowledge and understanding to navigate their friendships and family life safely, happily and as successfully as possible.
Specific examples of the understanding and knowledge our pupils learn include:
- an understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process
- an understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law
- an acceptance that people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
- an understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination
Strategies for promoting and embedding these Values
At Woodlands we understand the importance of, and readily invest in, the benefits of these values. They are integral to our broad and balanced curriculum experience, are core life skills and are embedded in our daily practice. We recognise that these values are not unique to Britain and are the values of different countries and cultures represented by all of our families at Woodlands.
Democracy
At Woodlands we strive for inclusivity, equality and fairness. We purposefully plan opportunities for children, parents/carers and staff to contribute to and express their views ensuring their opinions are heard. The election of our School Council demonstrates democracy in action: peers vote for representatives and they meet fortnightly to discuss issues raised by classes. Our Team Captains’ voting process involves children delivering a speech emphasising why they are suited to this role; the candidates are then voted for and announced at a whole school assembly so that all of the children are aware of the results. Pupil Voice/Conferencing takes place at least three times a year, actively involving the children in providing suggestions and reflection on the teaching and learning of core subjects and their learning environment; their responses inform feedback to staff.
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, following our “Positive Relationships and Behaviour Policy”. Carrot Tokens (for Courtesy and Respect) have been introduced to reward children who consistently choose to make the right choices and demonstrate our Woodlands values. Children are taught the value and reasons behind rules and 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 to reinforce this message.
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 clear boundaries for our children to make choices safely. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through our Digital Citizenship, assemblies and PSHEE & C lessons. Whether it be through choice of a learning challenge, choice of learning style or how they record, of participation in our wide range of extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, or pupil organized and run charity events, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values and we are proud to celebrate our different backgrounds, cultures, languages and beliefs. Our pupils learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others; everyone is expected to demonstrate tolerance and mutual respect. Respecting and celebrating Diversity is a core curriculum driver at Woodlands. “Respect”, “Kindness” and Community” form our core School Values and consciously inter-link with the British Values framework.
EYFS and pupils with SEND Adapted Provision:
We support and encourage our pupils:
Democracy
- to know their views count and that their opinions are important and make a difference
- to vote and to choose
- to undertake activities that involve turn-taking, sharing, discussion and collaboration
- to understand the importance of teamwork and fairness e.g. through playing games
The Rule of Law
- to contribute and agree to class rules/expectations e.g. signing their name or fingerprinting their class charter
- to discuss the need for rules and the benefits thereof e.g. how they help to keep us happy and safe
- to recognise the difference between right and wrong
- to take responsibility for their behaviour
- to understand choices and consequences
Individual Liberty
- to begin to understand rights and responsibilities in practical ways
- to develop a positive sense of themselves
- to ask questions and trust that their opinions and ideas will be respected and valued
- to follow and develop their own interests and ideas
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
- to begin to reflect on their own beliefs
- to appreciate and respect the viewpoint of others e.g. by showing good listening skills
- to begin to appreciate and respect different cultural backgrounds e.g. by celebrating a range of festivals throughout the year
- to celebrate diversity e.g. through listening and responding to quality texts such as “It’s Okay to be Different” (Todd Parr) and “All are Welcome” (Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufmann)
Actively promoting British Values also means challenging children, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values. Any such incident would be treated extremely seriously in line with our expectations and policies, underpinned by the Prevent Duty.
Short Video explaining “What is Prevent?”
Advice and Support for Parents/Carers
Safer Internet Centre – how to set up filters on your home internet to help prevent age inappropriate content being accessed.
Safer Internet Centre – wider support for parents and carers
NSPCC – guidance on open conversation with children and young people about negotiating online safety
Online Safety for Parents and Teachers- elevated risks can be found at the bottom of the hyperlinked page