British Values

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British Values & the Prevention of Terrorism

The Department of Education have recently 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 have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year.  At Bure Valley School, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Children are actively encouraged to have a voice and share their views and opinions regularly, through:

  • School council;
  • School clubs and extra-curricular activities;
  • Assemblies, visiting speakers, workshops and visits;
  • Pupil voice and questionnaires;
  • Governor learning walks and interviews.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws (whether those that govern the class, the school, or the country), is consistently reinforced throughout the school day through:

  • A rigorous and consistently implemented behaviour policy and systems;
  • School rules, rewards and sanctions;
  • PSHE and RSE lessons;
  • Assemblies, visiting speakers, workshops and visits.

Individual Liberty

Within school, children are actively encouraged to make decisions and choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young children to take risks and make choices safely.

Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are supported in exercising these safely, for example through E-Safety and PSHE/RSE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values (‘Care, Creativity, Challenge’). Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others in the following ways.

  • High expectations of behaviour modelled by all;
  • Unacceptable behaviours are challenged, discussed and not tolerated;
  • Inappropriate behaviour (including disrespectful and racist incidents) is recorded appropriately and dealt with proportionately;
  • Praise and rewarded for displaying respect for others.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Bure Valley School is situated in an area which is not culturally diverse, therefore we place significant emphasis on promoting diversity with the children in the following ways:

  • Our wider curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity;
  • Our library includes stories and books that promote an understanding of different cultures, faiths and beliefs;
  • Assemblies celebrate different faiths and cultures;
  • Visiting speakers enrich our curriculum and widen perspectives;
  • Community events help us to appreciate and value our neighbours and wider community.

Preventing Radicalisation and Extremism

‘Radicalisation’ is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind.

‘Extremism’ is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views.

The Governing Body of Bure Valley School has a zero tolerance approach to extremist behaviour for all school community members. We rely on our strong values to steer our work and ensure the pastoral care of our children protects them from exposure to negative influences.

Bure Valley School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its children. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability.  Staff have received specific training in ‘PREVENT’, the Government’s response to help counter extreme ideologies. All staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Although serious incidents involving radicalisation have not occurred at Bure Valley School to date, it is important for us to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues that affect the region in which we teach. Staff are reminded to suspend any professional disbelief that instances of radicalisation ‘could not happen here’ and to refer any concerns through the Child Protection/ Safeguarding Lead Teachers.

At Bure Valley School, we will actively challenge children, staff, parents or visitors expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including those expressing ‘extremist’ views.