Fundamental British Values
At Buryfields Infant School we uphold and teach pupils about the fundamental British Values, as directed under Ofsted guidance which states that schools should ensure provision for the social development of pupils which includes the development of children’s
“acceptance of and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. They will develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain."
Our school values are ‘Be kind. Be confident. Love learning’ and these are supported through our ‘Learning Powers’ which are:
éTeamwork éPersevere éCelebrate difference éExplore
éAim high éHave a go éMake mistakes éit’s good to be me
All of these support our teaching of the fundamental British values, which are also taught explicitly and implicitly through our SMSC provision, PSHE lessons and assemblies, as well as through our everyday interactions with the children. At Buryfields we also teach children about the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) within our PSHE curriculum.
Outlined below are some of the ways in which the fundamental British Values are taught at our school.
UN CRC Article 12: Children have the right give their opinion when decisions are made and to be listened to by adults at the school.
Representatives from all year groups are on the School Council. In Years 1 and 2 the children learn about democracy, representation and the government, around the time that they formally elect their school councillors.
We have a Playground Squad comprised of Year 2 children who promote our school values by helping children at break and lunchtimes.
Democracy is promoted through PSHE, assemblies, informal conversations in class and through discussions with the children about the choices they can make about their own learning.
UN CRC Article 19: Children have the right to be properly cared for, protected from violence, abuse, neglect and mistreatment in body and in mind.
We have high expectations of pupil conduct and this is reflected in our Behaviour Policy. There are rewards for good and caring behaviour and consistent demonstration of our values is recognised through such things as Smiley Face cards, STEP awards and celebration assemblies.
Through our school assemblies, circle time, PSHE lessons and Playground Squad duties children are taught how to earn trust and respect and are supported to develop a strong sense of morality; knowing right from wrong and are taught to do the right thing even when it’s difficult.
We are supported by our local PCSO and the Fire Service in promoting the rule of law along with respect for oneself and others.
UN CRC Article 31: Children have a right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of activities.
UN CRC Article 15: Children have the right to meet together and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.
Through our school values – especially ‘Be condfident’ and some of our Learning Powers such as ‘Celebrate difference’ and ‘It’s good to be me’ – and through out PSHE curriculum, children are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration.
Throughout the school the children are encouraged to make independent decisions, for example in their choice of lunch and friendships.They are encouraged to take opportunities to follow their interests in art, music, sport etc.
Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including gaining an age-appropriate understanding of online safety.
UN CRC Article 2: No child should ever be treated unfairly regardless of their race, religion, gender, ability, background or because of what they think, say or do.
UN CRC Article 14: Children have the right to choose their own religion and beliefs. Their parents should guide them on what is right and wrong and what is best for them.
UN CRC Article 30: Children have a right to learn and use the language and customs of their families, whether these are shared by the majority of people in the country or not.
At Buryfields we have very high expectations of behaviour and kindness in particular is hugely important; it is not by chance that it is the first of our core values. Our Behaviour and Equality policies confirm the attitude of all stakeholders towards feeling and showing respect for others, regardless of their backgrounds.
The Class Charter that each class creates at the beginning of each year, the PSHE curriculum, Learning Powers and our everyday interactions with the children all contribute to ensuring that the children gain an understanding of the importance of kindness and respect.
In our school one of our learning powers is ‘Celebrate difference’ as we encourage the children to not just respect and tolerate, but find joy in their differences and ensure their differences are nurtured.
Understanding about different faiths and beliefs is promoted through the Locally Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education – Living Difference. Children learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals, make visits to places of worship and we welcome religious leaders from different faiths.