Promotion of British Values

At Hamsey Green Primary School, we aim for all children to grow, learn and flourish academically and, as part of their wider education, to be contributing members of society.  Our role is to ensure that we promote and reinforce British values to our children.

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and considered them to be democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.  At this school these values are reinforced as part of school life. Please take time to look at the weekly British Value assembly presentations at the bottom of the page.  At the start of British Values Assembly, the values focus is discussed, alongside how the story relates to the Rights of a Child and the Protected Characteristics.

Democracy

At Hamsey Green Primary School, the principle of democracy is reinforced through democratic decision-making by the children.  Elections are held to elect House Captains and School Councillors.  The school council is also responsible for initiating part of the School Development Plan and for holding the school to account for its implementation.  Each class decides on its charter to support the principles of good learning and behaviour.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school as a recognition of the rights of the school community to be respected and be able to learn without disruption.  Children 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.  We have visits from the Police and the Fire Service as an important part of our curriculum to help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At Hamsey Green Primary School, children are actively encouraged to make independent choices, knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment.  As a school we educate and provide the environment for children to make choices safely.  Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms under the Unicef’s ‘Rights Respecting Schools Award’ (RRSA).  They receive education on their rights and responsibilities through the curriculum.

Mutual Respect

Respect is the core of our school ethos and is modelled by children and staff alike.  The school promotes self-respect and respect for others and these are taught through our classroom and learning environments under our ‘Green Code’ and ‘Kind Words, Kind Actions’ policy.  In line with our commitment to democracy children are always able to voice their opinions and we have created an environment where children are able to voice their concerns and also are safe to disagree with each other.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

The school community reflects a number of different cultures, faiths and beliefs.  Through the school curriculum we educate the children to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity in the school community.  Children are encouraged to share their faith and beliefs within the school.  Our Religious Education curriculum follows Surrey County Council’s Religious Education policy and is part of a broad and balanced curriculum that educates children about a range of faiths, religions and cultures.

We have zero tolerance to those who discriminate against people of different cultures, faiths or beliefs.

 

Anti-Radicalisation

At Hamsey Green Primary and Acorns Nursery, all staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability.

Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. Children are encouraged to share their views and recognise that they are entitled to have their own different beliefs, which should not be used to influence others. Our PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education), Citizenship and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) provision is embedded across the curriculum, and underpins the ethos of the school. It is recognised that children with low aspirations are more vulnerable to radicalisation and, therefore, we strive to equip our pupils with confidence, self-belief, respect and tolerance, as well as setting high standards and expectations for themselves.

Children are regularly taught about how to stay safe when using the Internet and are encouraged to recognise that people are not always who they say they are online. They are taught to seek adult help if they are upset or concerned about anything they read or see on the Internet.

Should you feel that the school is not promoting British values in line with this guidance, you should contact the school office and ask to speak with the Head Teacher/Deputy Head. Likewise, if you feel that anyone working at the school is actively undermining these values, you should report this to the Head Teacher immediately.

For further information visit the HM Goverment Educate Against Hate website. 

Evidence and Impact

British Value	Evidence	Impact
Democracy	School council elections, minutes and records Eco Council elections Y6 Prefects (House Captains) and Head Pupil elections School assembly planners Picture News coverage  RE/PHSE planning, children’s work Learning walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning School values Displays Hamsey’s Got Talent Mock General Elections	Children can work co-operatively in pairs and groups as well as whole class situations in all areas of the curriculum and wider aspects of school life. Children understand about turn-taking and respecting the views of others. Children understand the principle of democracy and the importance of using their vote Children in KS2 in particular are able to use the language of respect (I agree with, I don’t agree with)
Rule of Law	Expectations Behaviours School values Class codes Prefect system PHSE lessons on laws and rules School Council minutes and records Picture News coverage Visits from Police Assembly planner Learning walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning Displays Behaviour audit Consistent sanction/reward system across Key Stages Attendance awards Value Assembly certificates  Picture News coverage	Children are able to articulate how and why we need to behave in school and demonstrate they understand and abide by school rules
Individual Liberty	Learning walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning School values Worry Boxes Worry Monsters Display Picture News coverage Class council meetings School Council Meetings Eco Council Meetings Hamsey’s Got Talent Choice of extra-curricular activities	Children understand about the importance of accepting responsibility and of their right to be heard in school. Children are consulted on many aspects of school life and demonstrate independent thought and action.
Mutual Respect and the Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs	RE curriculum, planning, work and trips PHSE curriculum, planning and work Assembly planner Learning walks for behaviour and behaviour for learning Displays Links to Warlingham Church  Charity fundraising Picture News coverage	Children can articulate why respect is important, how they show respect to others and how they feel about it for themselves. Children’s behaviour demonstrates this value in action. They are able to work alongside one another and together as groups. Children can talk about different faiths and cultures they learn about, ask questions and show tolerance and respect for others of different faiths and religions.

Please click on the links below to see the resources shared in assemblies.