The DfE have recently underlined the 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 Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values are revisited regularly. At Nassington School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
Democracy is embedded within the school. Pupils are listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully with concern to each other, respecting the right of every pupil to have their opinions and voice heard.
We have a school council which meets regularly with a member of staff to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council has access to a small budget if required and is genuinely able to effect change within the school, for example deciding which charities we will support each year, organising charity days within school and requesting changes to the school environment. Every pupil on the school council is voted in by their class.
Pupils have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced at Nassington.
Pupils are taught the rules of the school from Foundation Stage. These are the school and class rules. Pupils are taught the value and the reasons behind class, school and national rules and laws: that they govern and protect us, that they involve responsibilities, and that there are consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty
At Nassington, 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 pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms, and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e Safety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect
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 with other Faiths and Beliefs
Although Nassington School have mainly white British students, we promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. RE and RSE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. When we have parents of different faiths within our community, we encourage them to share their culture with us.