British Values

Promoting British Values at Florendine Primary School

September 2024

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 by the Prime Minister this year. At Florendine Primary School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Mission Statement
We at Florendine strive for excellence in education by providing a safe, secure, caring family environment, where all are valued and respected as individuals, enabling them to reach their full potential.

Democracy:
Democracy is extensive within school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our school council, Learning Conferences and Pupil questionnaires. The elections of Class leaders for the school council, are based solely on pupil votes. Our pupils also vote for members of their own class who have demonstrated excellent attitudes to learning to be recognised in our “Star learners” assembly, each half term.

The Rule of Law:
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that affect the class, school, or our country, are reinforced regularly in school assemblies, PSHE, RE and other aspects of the curriculum. 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 to and visitors from authorities such as the Police; Fire Service; paramedics etc. are regular parts of our school calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:
As a School we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices through the provision of a safe environment. In the 2014-15 parent questionnaires, 98% of the parents who returned their questionnaire feel that their child feels safe within school. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, through our cross curricular teaching of E-Safety, Computing and PSHE.

Mutual Respect:
School promotes respect for others and this is modelled by all staff within school and reinforced through class rules and our community code. To develop an understanding that, whilst we may not agree on everything, that we should strive to treat each person as we would want to be treated.

Respect for Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is promoted through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a multi-cultural society and by providing opportunities to experience diversity. School works closely with parents and the community to ensure inclusivity. World faiths are celebrated in collective worship and RE and members of different faiths are encouraged to share their beliefs and practices to enhance pupils’ understanding. Pupils visit a range of ‘places of worship’ as part of RE lessons throughout their time within School.