At Tannery Drift First School we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families and the wider school community. Displays and events through the year actively promote the diversity and achievements of all pupils and their families.
The Department for Education states that there is a 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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:
- Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
- Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
- Support for equality of opportunity for all
- Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
- Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs
Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to encourage and support our children on their journey through life so they can grow into responsible, tolerant, democratic and thoughtful adults who aim to make a positive difference to British society and to the world. Our curriculum and ethos encourage children to use their own skills of resilience, resourcefulness, perseverance and co-operation in order to achieve.
Our core school values are enjoyment, achievement and respect. These core values are developed within the framework of key British values.
Democracy
- All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and become involved in making decisions, for example about topics or trips. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires (for example about their attitude to having spelling tests) and pupil surveys.
- The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days. Class elections are held for School Council and House Captain members.
- School Governors take an active interest in the School Council, attending meetings and supporting their ideas and suggestions. Members of the elected representative School Council regularly meet with local councilors and other wider members of the community.
- Tannery Drift pupils have had active involvement in the selection processes of new staff, and in contributing ideas towards the type of teacher they would like. Children are encouraged to make decisions about the purchase and use of new equipment (e.g. playground games, outdoor apparatus, class games for use in wet play).
Rule of Law
- Our school follows ‘Golden Rules’, which are integral to our learning and ethos every day. These are displayed in every classroom and public area.
- School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
- Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground.
- Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and we have enjoyed visits from authorities such as the Community Police and the Fire Service to help reinforce this message during topic weeks and events.
- Our Behaviour policies make clear our lack of tolerance for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and all members of the school community.
- Each class sets up and develops its own Class Rules with agreed rules for safety and fairness.
Individual Liberty
- Pupils are supported to develop their resilience, resourcefulness, perseverance and co-operative skills in order to enable them to become self-confident individuals. Staff use this key vocabulary to promote individual choices and responsibilities.
- Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices within a supportive framework.
- Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and talk about their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and in lessons promoting “protective behaviours”.
- Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Year 4 Playground Buddies, Librarians, Ambassadors etc.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
- Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children, and to property and the environment.
- Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
- Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour, and topics and books are carefully evaluated to promote equality and diversity.
- Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. Religious education discusses and values the beliefs of all faiths and cultures. Through the curriculum and topic days pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.