British Values at Ladypool
At Ladypool Primary School, we are committed to serving our community and surrounding areas. We value the diverse ethnic backgrounds of our pupils and families and we undertake a variety of events to celebrate diversity as well as embedding this within our curriculum. We have found this approach to be enriching for all parties as it teaches tolerance and respect of the differences in our community and the wider world.
The Department for Education states that there is a 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”.
The Department for Education defines British Values as follows:
- Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
- Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
- Support for equality of opportunity for all
- Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
- Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs
We encourage admissions from all those entitled to education under British Law regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status. We are a school for ALL.
At Ladypool, we actively promote British values in the following ways:
Democracy:
Democracy is a rich element within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council. Pupil questionnaires are also circulated to gather children’s perceptions of school life. The elections of school ambassadors and school councils are based solely on pupil votes. Our school behaviour policy involves rewards which the pupils vote on as a class group.
The Rule of Law:
The importance of laws or rules, whether they apply to school or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the school day, as well as when dealing with behaviour and pupils' individual choices. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws and rules and that we follow them in order to keep safe. They are encouraged to develop an awareness of the consequences of when laws or rules are broken. Regular visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are integral parts of our school calendar and help to reinforce our teaching of the importance of law and order.
Individual Liberty:
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make good choices and we ensure they know that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are given advice and have opportunities to discuss how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety, PSHE and RE lessons.
Mutual Respect:
As a school that welcomes pupils and families from across the globe, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Pupils 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.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
Ladypool serves a highly diverse community of cultures and faiths. We place a great emphasis on ensuring all pupils take part in a broad range of multicultural celebrations throughout the year. We enhance pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society, giving everyone opportunities to experience, discuss and share their own faiths and beliefs. We place a great emphasis on the responsibility that all pupils have in our school to ensure all newcomers to our school are made to feel welcome, safe and secure.
