The DFE reinforced 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 were reiterated in 2014. At Plumbland CE School these values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:

Democracy

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. All children can contribute by placing ideas in the school ‘suggestion box’.We have an active school council whih meets regularly. School council members are voted in by their peers in our elections. Council meetings are minuted and the school council feedback to the rest of the school in a whole school assembly. The council also complete reports of their activities in school which are published in the parish magazine.

Rule of law

The importance of laws whether they be those that govern the class, the school or the country are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days as well as when dealing with behaviour. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message. Parents sign a home school agreement when their children start school. Year 5 and 6 children visit Workington Magistrate’s Court to learn about the court and act out different scenarios.

Individual liberty

Within school pupils are actively encouraged to make choices knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely eg. through E-Safety and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Junior children have roles of responsibility in school eg. ensuring laptops and tablets are charging. Children apply for these jobs and responsibilities are allocated fairly. The children have the opportunity to change their job throughout the year. Individuals respect each others responsibilities.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Plumbland is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity within the children. Acts of collective worship are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our R.E. and PSHE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths eg. Year 5/6 visit to the mosque at Ulverston.