British Values

We reward these qualities by awarding value points to the children. Jade, Sapphire and Diamond and certificates are awarded when children achieve 30, 60 and 120 points.

We also celebrate these values in our weekly celebration assembly and the children take home the class mascot for a week.

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 were reiterated in 2014.

UIS Fundamental British Values

British values are:

Ofsted version

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

DfE version

• Respect for democracy and support for 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
• Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs

At Upminster Infants these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways: We aim for our children to become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background.

We promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs.

Democracy

We have a school parliament which consists of two members from each class who are nominated and voted for. They meet fortnightly to discuss social and moral issues along with making decisions about some aspects of school life. The areas for discussion are then fed back to the rest of the class where they can all share their views and thoughts.

The Rule of Law

The school has a set of Rules which all children are to abide by. At the beginning of the year each class devises their own classroom rules. Through PSHE, Assemblies and Circle time children are taught about the laws of our country and the role of the Queen, the Prime Minister and members of parliament in creating and implementing those laws. We also learn about the roles of law and authority through history, e. g. gunpowder plot. We ensure that children understand that all of these laws are there to protect us and are essential for our wellbeing and safety. We ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair helping pupils to distinguish right from wrong. We have links to the local Police who visit school and talk about their job.

Individual Liberty

Within our school children are encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment to enable them to do this. Through SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) activities and displays we provide different choices that the children can make and encourage them to make the right choices. In an age appropriate way we look at E-safety and the importance of keeping yourself safe by choosing not to share personal information.

Mutual Respect

Our whole school ethos is built around mutual respect. We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. The children and staff often work with other schools in the local area and with the local Church which develops their respect for others in the wider community. We also teach children to respect and value differences through celebrating the language represented in school using a language of the month.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

All different faiths and beliefs are explored and celebrated through assemblies, RE sessions and a variety of visitors into school. The children are taught that people have different faiths and beliefs and through assemblies and discussions about prejudice and bullying we teach tolerance and respect. Children within our school with different faiths are encouraged to share their practices and special celebrations.

Parents visit the school to share their beliefs and traditions and visitors come to school to help the children appreciate Chinese New Year and Diwali to name but a few. Our children are encouraged to bring photographs into school and children in the early years share their Special Moments in class.