The DfE 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 during 2014.  At Darton Primary these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

At Darton Primary School children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a very active School and Eco Council who meet regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. Four members for each class (from 3-9) are voted in by their class.

In addition to this, every class has a ballot box which is used regularly throughout the year to vote on matters such as reading books, school events and clubs and other class issues.

Children have a termly questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school. In addition, Reading Ambassadors, Play Leaders, Tuck Shop Leaders, MUGA leaders, morning monitors and Lunchtime Leaders are selected to lead throughout school from classes 7, 8 and 9.  Each year the Councils decide upon a local and national charity that they wish to support throughout the school year and the entire school makes a contribution to their chosen charity.

The 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 and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message. The school’s behaviour policy gives pupils the opportunity to reflect on appropriate behaviours and to change negative behaviours.  Children are taught to manage their own behaviour in a variety of ways and to realise that there are consequences for unacceptable behaviour. Before children leave Darton Primary, they have the opportunity to visit Crucial Crew in Rotherham - this is an interactive, scenario-based, safety centre where children take part in role play activities to help them to learn about safety once they become more independent in their lives. 

Individual Liberty

Children are taught about their rights through regular PSHE sessions and assemblies. They learn that liberty means being free from oppression or restrictions by the government or power, however this does not mean people can do what they want. There are rules to follow to keep everyone safe that we must respect and it is important to follow advice from certain people. We have been awarded the Bronze Rights Respecting School Award and we are working towards Silver. Our School Council act as the steering group for this. 

Each class has Philosophy for Children sessions where children can give their own opinions and discuss whether things are right or wrong. This is sometimes a stand alone session and sometimes linked to wider topics children are learning about. Each class has a half termly key question that stretches their thinking further than their subject specific learning. 

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

As part of our positive ethos, children 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. The school encourages pupils to raise monies to support local and national charities; it also supports Lincs2Nepal where we have sent our teacher Miss Fisher to Nepal to see first hand the difference our children are making. We have regular visits from the charity to keep us updated about life at the Jeevan Jyoti School in Nepal and life in the local school community.  

Assemblies 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 RE and  PSHE teaching reinforce this. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. In addition, assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed.   The school staff are fully aware of the importance of being a role model for all pupils; demonstrating politeness, courtesy and respect for each other, visitors and children at all times.

We will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.