British Values
At Someries Infant School and Early Childhood Education Centre, we 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 as an integral part of our provision for developing pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding. These values are woven throughout school life and are explicitly taught through our broad and balanced curriculum, particularly through our bespoke Life Curriculum, which encompasses religion and world views, relationships and health education, and the teaching of our school values. Through its four strands of Culture, Character, Global Citizenship and Wellbeing, the Life Curriculum develops pupils’ knowledge, understanding, empathy and moral awareness, preparing them to become confident, compassionate and responsible citizens who are well prepared for life in modern Britain.
By actively promoting these values, we challenge opinions or behaviours that are contrary to fundamental British values. We fully recognise that any attempts to promote systems or ideologies that undermine these values are entirely incompatible with our responsibility to provide a curriculum that develops pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding and prepares them for life in a diverse and democratic society.
Through our provision of spiritual, moral, social and cultural education, and in ways that are appropriate to the age and stage of our pupils, we aim to enable them to develop self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence; to distinguish right from wrong and respect the civil and criminal law of England; to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and understand how they can make a positive contribution to the lives of those within the local community and to society more widely. We also seek to enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of, and respect for, public institutions and services in England; to promote tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by fostering an appreciation of, and respect for, their own and other cultures; to encourage respect for cultural diversity; and to develop an understanding of and respect for democracy, including participation in democratic processes and the principles on which the law is made and applied in England.
Through our promotion of fundamental British values, and in ways that are appropriate to the age and stage of our pupils, we aim to develop their understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process and their appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety. We also seek to foster an understanding that the freedom to choose and hold different faiths and beliefs is protected by law, and that people with beliefs or faiths different from their own, or with no faith, should be accepted and treated with tolerance and respect. In addition, we aim to develop pupils’ understanding of the importance of recognising and challenging prejudice, discrimination and discriminatory behaviour wherever it occurs.
We promote these values through our Life Curriculum and across all aspects of school life, including our wider curriculum, assemblies, enrichment opportunities and daily interactions. Although this page does not provide an exhaustive account of our work, it highlights some of the many ways in which we embed and promote fundamental British values throughout our school community.
Our school actively promotes democracy by ensuring that pupils have meaningful opportunities to express their views, participate in decision-making and understand how democratic processes work. Democracy is embedded within our Life Curriculum, where pupils learn about fairness, equality, citizenship and the importance of making a positive contribution to their community. Through this learning, they develop an understanding of how decisions are made, why different viewpoints should be respected, and how they can play an active role in shaping the world around them.
Pupils are encouraged to influence school life through our democratic activities and case sample review process, where their opinions are sought and valued. They contribute to decisions such as selecting the charities we support and play an important role in the development and evaluation of school policies, including those relating to behaviour and the school’s vision and mission. They also develop an understanding of democracy and the electoral process through assemblies and visits from our local Member of Parliament, while the nomination of Values Champions provides pupils with first-hand experience of fair and inclusive democratic participation.
Through these experiences, pupils learn that every voice matters, that decisions should be made fairly and respectfully, and that democratic participation involves listening to others, considering different perspectives and working collaboratively for the benefit of the wider community. As a result, they develop the confidence, knowledge and skills to become active, responsible and engaged citizens.
Our school actively promotes individual liberty by nurturing confident, independent and responsible pupils who understand both their rights and the responsibilities that accompany them. Our vision and mission, which underpin everything we do, are brought to life through our Life Curriculum, where pupils develop the knowledge, skills and character needed to make informed choices, manage risk appropriately and become resilient learners. Through the curriculum, assemblies and everyday school life, pupils are encouraged to express their views, develop self-confidence, respect the rights and freedoms of others, and recognise the importance of making positive decisions.
Pupils are provided with meaningful opportunities to exercise choice and develop independence throughout school life. They are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, participate in enrichment activities, make decisions that affect their school experience and develop the confidence to contribute to the wider school community. This is supported by our clear expectations, classroom and school rules, and behaviour policy, which help pupils understand that individual liberty is exercised most effectively within a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.
As a result, pupils develop self-confidence, resilience and independence. They understand that their choices have consequences for themselves and others, demonstrate increasing responsibility for their behaviour and learning, and exercise their rights and personal freedoms in ways that are thoughtful, respectful and responsible.
Our school actively promotes the rule of law by helping pupils understand that rules, laws and shared expectations are essential for creating a safe, fair and inclusive community. Through our Life Curriculum, assemblies, behaviour curriculum and everyday school life, pupils learn that laws exist to protect individuals, uphold rights and ensure that everyone is treated fairly. From their earliest days at school, they are supported to understand the purpose of classroom and school rules, the importance of personal responsibility, and the role that rules play in enabling everyone to learn, thrive and feel safe.
This understanding is reinforced through the consistent application of our behaviour policy and the positive relationships that exist across the school. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on the consequences of their actions, resolve disagreements respectfully and recognise that everyone has both rights and responsibilities. Opportunities within the Life Curriculum also help pupils develop an age-appropriate understanding of the legal system, public institutions and the principles of justice and fairness that underpin life in modern Britain.
As a result, pupils develop a strong sense of right and wrong, understand the importance of following agreed rules and expectations, and appreciate that the rule of law protects individuals and promotes fairness. They demonstrate respect for others, take responsibility for their behaviour and contribute positively to the safe, orderly and caring environment that characterises our school community.
Our school actively promotes mutual respect and tolerance by fostering an inclusive environment in which every member of the school community is valued and treated with dignity. Through our Life Curriculum, assemblies and the wider curriculum, pupils develop an understanding of different faiths, beliefs, cultures and ways of life, enabling them to appreciate the rich diversity of modern Britain and the wider world. They are encouraged to recognise the importance of treating everyone with kindness, fairness and respect, while developing the confidence to challenge prejudice, discrimination and prejudice-based bullying.
Pupils engage with a wide range of cultural and religious experiences through the Culture and Global Citizenship strands of our Life Curriculum. They learn about different faiths and world views, celebrate cultural diversity, visit places of worship and benefit from visits by members of different faith communities who share their beliefs and experiences. We also use significant national and international events, such as the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup, to broaden pupils’ understanding of different countries, traditions and cultures, helping them to recognise both the diversity and shared values of communities around the world.
As a result, pupils develop empathy, compassion and respect for others, regardless of their faith, beliefs, culture or background. They understand the importance of tolerance, value diversity as a strength, and contribute positively to the welcoming, inclusive and respectful culture that defines our school community.
