Teaching British Values at Oakwood Infant and Nursery school

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 have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year. At Oakwood Infant and Nursery school these values are regularly promoted through high quality teaching, a rounded programme of assemblies and a positive behaviour policy allowing children to develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain. 

Democracy 

Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil questionnaires. The class representatives on the School Council are voted for each year by each class of children.  Our school behaviour policy involves rewards which the children vote on as a class group.

Rule of Law – consequences of your actions. Right & Wrong. 

We have a very strong but positive behaviour policy (See policies section). Through this we consistently promote our high expectations of all at Oakwood Infant and Nursery school. We have a set of school rules which everyone is expected to follow. The children are reminded regularly about our expectations of their behaviour in and around school in assemblies and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) work. Each child makes a choice about keeping our school rules and children who choose to follow the rules are rewarded and recognised for their good behaviour in school. Children who choose not to follow the school rules will be taught to understand that their behaviour is unacceptable. A set of consequences is used to encourage good behaviour. This is an extremely successful system with clear, high expectations of all. It shows a clear link between right and wrong behaviour and therefore links to the civil and criminal law of England. 

Individual Liberty 

We provide a safe and supportive environment in which we encourage all to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms while respecting that everyone else also has those same rights. Children are encouraged to make good choices within safe boundaries. They are given the skills and opportunities to resolve conflicts effectively.

Mutual respect - Caring, sharing and listening to others. 

We believe that respect for others is a vital component of moral development. We encourage open discussions in all areas but particularly in lessons which promote citizenship such as SEAL, Circletime and ‘R’ Time (Structured programme through which children learn about respect, courtesy, good behaviour). We actively support

all to develop their own reasoned views about moral and ethical issues. We encourage all pupils to understand that they have rights and responsibilities as citizens within Oakwood Infant and Nursery school and the wider community. For example the School supports several charitable events over the school year and children are able to talk about the ways we can help and support those who are less fortunate than ourselves. 

Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs 

Our community is made up of people from a wide range of backgrounds. We aim to promote the understanding and appreciation of different faiths and cultures both within our school and the wider world. We actively promote courtesy and good manners towards all. We actively monitor and tackle all forms of bullying and harassment (This includes cyber bullying, prejudice-based bullying related to appearance, SEN, sex, race, religion and belief, disability, sexual orientation or gender reassignment).