Developing British Values at Lever Edge Primary Academy

In 2014, the government set out a duty for schools to actively promote the British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in Modern Britain. These values were first set out in the Prevent strategy in 2011.

At Lever Edge Primary Academy, we reflect British values in all that we do. It is our mission to nurture and raise the aspirations, achievements and life chances of all pupils, so that they are able to grow and develop into lifelong learners and achieve their full potential; leading happy, healthy, fulfilled lives and contributing positively to our community.

We promote these values through our own school values, curriculum and enrichment activities.

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RESPECT

Mutual respect is a core value within the school.  Children learn that their actions have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Pupils understand that respect is shown to everyone, both adults and children. We help them to develop an understanding of, and respect for, their own culture and the culture of others.

We have high expectations of pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy.

Through the school’s values, PSHE, Jigsaw, Faiths and Ethics and assemblies, pupils are taught to respect each other, to be cooperative and collaborative, be supportive and to look for similarities while being understanding of differences.

Through assemblies, pupils are taught about the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of a Child and learn to respect their rights and the rights of others.

Other skills such as taking turns, sharing, listening to others, following simple rules, e.g. being kind to others and equipment are all embedded within daily life.

TOLERANCE AND PEACE

We aim to create a peaceful and calm environment, where fighting and falling out are not tolerated and children are encouraged to get along with one another and to be kind.

We have high expectations about pupil conduct and this is reflected in our policies.

Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through Faith and Ethics. Pupils learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals. Children have opportunities to visit places of worship and speak to local religious leaders.

This is supplemented by assemblies and through other curriculum which mark and celebrate significant events.

EQUALITY

Through the school’s values, PSHE, Jigsaw, Faiths and Ethics and assemblies, we aim for our pupils to have an understanding of and respect for the rights, equality and diversity of all without discrimination. We believe it is important to equip children with the skills, attitudes and behaviours needed to develop mutual understanding and respect, empathy, trust and honesty and acceptance.

We want our pupils to become confident, fair and responsible individuals who make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives.

The theme of Equality also links with Diversity. At Lever Edge Primary Academy we are a very diverse school and celebrate this.

All major festivals in each of the faiths represented are celebrated and discussed. Pupils are encouraged to understand that they may be different from one another (that diversity is a good thing) but they are all equal.

All pupils are encouraged to take part in all activities and there are no girls or boys only resources or activities.

INTEGRITY AND COMPASSION

Lever Edge Primary Academy is not only a place where we strive for academic excellence, but also a place where our pupils begin to understand what it means to be a member of a community. We aim to guide our pupils in developing trust, honesty and principles as they interact with others. We expect all of our pupils to tell the truth, to not cheat and to own up to mistakes.

Staff model caring behaviour towards the children and other members of staff. Children are encouraged to help and care for other pupils where they can, e.g. by playing with them when they are feeling sad or helping them with their hats and coats etc.

Through various daily activities, pupils learn the importance of listening to what others have to say before they respond.

Through the school’s values, PSHE, P4C, Faiths and Ethics and assemblies they are encouraged to be kind and mindful to others.

Pupils are given the opportunity to show their support to the local community through links with the local care home and via fundraising opportunities for both local and national charities. 

DEMOCRACY Including Freedom of Speech

We have a democratically elected School Council. This provides us with the opportunity to promote and teach about democracy and the electoral process. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires.

Democracy is also promoted through curriculum activities including in PSHE lessons and assemblies.

Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard.

We encourage pupils to take ownership of not only their school but also of their own learning and progress. This encourages a heightened sense of both personal and social responsibility and is demonstrated on a daily basis by our pupils.

We allow all pupils the opportunity to contribute at discussion times and encouraging the quieter pupils to speak and make a contribution.

In Jigsaw lessons, in particular, we enable every pupil to have a voice.

TRUTH AND JUSTICE - The Rule of Law

Pupils 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. The Lever Edge Home-School agreement sets out the contract between the school, the child and their parents. 

Our behaviour policy makes it clear that we have simple rules that pupils are aware of and are encouraged to follow with praise and recognition. We have clear and consistent use of sanctions when poor behaviour is displayed. Pupils collectively decide on a set of classroom rules at the start of the year which they all agree to adhere to.

There is emphasis on the importance of telling the truth and understanding right from wrong.

Keeping safe when using the internet is regularly discussed with children in computing lessons and in assemblies. All members of the school community sign our Acceptable Use Policy and pledge to use the internet safely. 

FORGIVENESS AND MERCY

Encouraging children to make friends when they have fallen out is important. We also make use of the 'Buddy' Stop and encourage children to show empathy to others and be inclusive to all.

We ensure that when pupils have been in trouble for something, they understand that once they have been spoken to, it is finished and not held against them.

 

 

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY - Freedom Under Law

Developing pupils’ self-confidence and self-esteem so that they are confident about making their own individual choices and having their own individual opinions. This will be set within the context of the school rules, i.e. respecting and being kind to others and caring for the environment.

At Lever Edge, pupils 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 young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.