Lakey Lane Primary School

Lakey Lane Primary School

British Values

What does "British Values" mean?

The government define it as:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual respect for, and tolerance of, those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith. 

All schools have a duty to actively promote the fundamental British Values. The ultimate aim, as stated by the government, is to ensure that children become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background. At Lakey Lane we fully support this- we want our children to leave school fully prepared for life in modern Britain.

 

Examples of the understanding and knowledge pupils are expected to 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

 

So, how do we seek to promote British Values at Lakey Lane?

  1. Through our ethos- "Safe, secure, successful"- it is a fundamental expectation for everyone within our school community to respect everyone else, irrespective of any factor-gender, age, ability, disability, ethnic heritage, faith and socio-economic background.
  2. Through our curriculum- this includes developing speaking and listening skills, the ability to contribute to discussions, make an argument and debate. We have ensured that British Values are an integral part of our curriculum, not least through our PSHE curriculum and through the use of "Miss Dorothy" materials across all year groups.
  3. Through our assemblies- we are fortunate that we serve a very diverse population, including 29 home languages, a wide variety of ethnic origins and children of all the major faiths, as well as children from families with no faith. We celebrate our diversity regularly through assemblies. Governors have adopted the LA " no platform" policy and we carefully consider any visitors who are invited into school to work with our children.
  4. Through our "children's voice" - children in Y2-6 vote for their classmates, who stand for election, to be their school councillors. In addition, children have a voice which is heard, through their termly ACE award votes, regular questionnaires, and perhaps most importantly through our open door policy when they can come and raise their concerns at anytime with the headteacher.
  5. Through our displays and resources- we are careful to ensure that our learning environment and the resources that we use promote all groups within our society as being of equal value.

Our governors have ensured that staff in school are trained on the PREVENT agenda- aimed at protecting children from radicalisation and preventing children and young people from being drawn into terrorism. Our British Values agenda is a key aspect of how we meet the PREVENT duty in school.