Promoting British Values
At Newall Green Primary School, we want every child to grow into a confident, respectful and responsible member of their community. We believe that understanding our rights and responsibilities, listening to others and celebrating diversity are essential skills for life.
The Fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs are actively promoted throughout school life. These values were first set out by the UK Government in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and reinforced through Department for Education guidance in 2014. They continue to form an important part of schools' responsibilities in England, helping children develop the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to participate positively in modern Britain.
As a Rights Respecting School, we place children's rights, respect, inclusion and participation at the heart of our school community. We encourage children to understand their rights and responsibilities, have their voices heard, respect the rights and views of others, and make positive contributions to our school and wider community.
Democracy
Children are given a genuine voice in school. Through our School Council, pupil questionnaires, classroom discussions and everyday opportunities to make choices, children learn that their opinions matter. They develop an understanding that democracy involves listening to, valuing and respecting the views of others, even when those views are different from our own.
The Rule of Law
We help children understand why rules and laws are important and how they help to protect people's rights and keep communities safe. Through our behaviour expectations, assemblies, PSHE and wider curriculum, children learn about responsibility, fairness, consequences and making positive choices.
Individual Liberty
We encourage children to develop their independence, confidence and ability to make informed choices while understanding how to exercise their rights and freedoms safely and responsibly. This includes learning how to recognise risks, make sensible choices online and become responsible digital citizens.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance
Our diverse school community provides rich opportunities for children to learn about different cultures, religions, beliefs and perspectives. Through RE, PSHE, assemblies, stories, celebrations, visitors and visits to places of worship, children are encouraged to ask questions, challenge stereotypes, develop empathy and treat others with dignity and respect.
Safeguarding and Prevent
Promoting British Values forms part of our wider commitment to keeping children safe. We help children develop the knowledge, confidence and critical-thinking skills they need to recognise when something may be unsafe or harmful, including online.
As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we remain alert to concerns that may indicate a child could be vulnerable to radicalisation or other harmful influences. Where concerns arise, we follow appropriate safeguarding procedures and ensure that support is proportionate, child-centred and focused on the individual needs and circumstances of the child. Prevent sits alongside, and complements, the school's wider safeguarding responsibilities.
Ultimately, we want our children to leave Newall Green with the confidence to use their voice, the courage to respect difference, the resilience to make positive choices and the understanding that they have an important role to play in their community and the wider world.