Fundamental British Values

EPS School Statement on Fundamental British Values & Prevent

The DfE have 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.

Democracy:

Article 12: Children have the right to say what they think should happen, when adults are making decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account.

 Democracy is a core value within our school. Pupils at Eastlands have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our Student Council, Pupil questionnaires and maths meetings and Pupil SES. We teach children to voice their opinions in a respectful way and we foster an environment where children are safe to offer challenge.

The Rule of Law:

Article 19;  Government should ensure that children are properly cared for, and protect them from violence, abuse and neglect by their parents, or anyone else who looks after them.

The importance of rules and laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, and learning walks. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us and the responsibilities that this involves. Visits from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

Article 15: Children have the right to meet together and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.

Article 31: All children have a right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of activities.

Within school, 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 choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and accompanying responsibilities and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, participation in our Enrichment Programme or other opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect:

Article 2: The convention applies to everyone whatever their race, religion, abilities, whatever they think or say and whatever type of family they come from.

Article 30: Children have a right to learn and use the language and customs of their families, whether these are shared by the majority of people in the country or not.

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around our Values, one of which is ‘Respect’. Our PSHE and Personal Development Curriculum forms part of our core curriculum and this promotes respect for others. This is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

Article 14: Children have the right to think and believe what they want, and to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Parents should guide their children on these matters.

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions supported by learning in RE and PSHE supports this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

Please see links below for more detail