British Values and SMSC

Promoting Fundamental British Values at Walford Nursery & Primary School

The DfE have stated 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.'

At Walford Nursery & Primary School, these values are taught through delivering a broad and balanced curriculum which appeals to, and challenges, children of all ages.  The school takes the opportunity to promote these values during class lessons, in assemblies and more explicitly in PSHE Education and RE lessons.

At Walford Nursery & Primary School, British Values are reinforced in the following ways:

Democracy

Democracy is an important aspect of our school ethos and plays an integral role in the development of our school.  Through the School Council and pupil questionnaires, children are given a voice and an opportunity to effect change within the school.

At the beginning of each year, each class will elect two school council members through a democratic vote.  The chosen members will attend regular meetings with the Headteacher, teachers and Governors to discuss issues arising.  The children are given the confidence to express their opinions in the knowledge that they will be acted upon.

Rule of Law

The importance of laws and rules is consistently reinforced and recognised by teachers and children alike.  The children take an active role in deciding upon our Class Rules.  This helps them to understand that rules and laws both govern and protect us.

In Key Stage 2, our buddies, prefects and sports crew take an active role in solving problems and resolving conflicts between younger children.  They are trained to assess a situation and to sit down with the relevant parties to discuss a positive way forward.  These processes give children a deeper understanding of justice and accountability.

We are always keen to invite outside agencies, such as the Police and Fire Service, into our school or to attend activities like Crucial Crew to help to reinforce the message of how important laws and rules are.

Individual Liberty

At Walford Nursery & Primary School, pupils are encouraged to make choices and speak their minds.  Our school environment is safe, secure and supportive, providing children with the confidence to express themselves.  

Children are encouraged to make choices about their education, ranging from activities in class, extra- curricular activities and even the quality of their work through self- assessment.

If a child finds it difficult to express themselves through discussion then we provide opportunities to use the arts to support them (play / drama therapy).

Mutual Respect

‘Respect each other’ is a key value at Walford Nursery & Primary School.  Children are taught that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others.  All members of the school community show respect for each other, and equally important, for themselves.  This combines to create a safe and supportive environment for children to learn.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Walford Nursery & Primary School is a diverse school and we actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures.  Our Religious Education and PSHE curriculum celebrate and explore the beliefs and festivals of all religions which are supported in other subjects in the curriculum, including English, Art and Music.  Members of different faiths, including parents, are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences to enhance learning within a class or throughout the school.  The children also visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.