British Values

At Lynsted and Norton School we aim to create a happy, secure and creative learning environment for all members of our school community.  We believe that British Values are integral to achieving our school’s aims. 

 The Government defines British Values as:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.

At Lynsted and Norton, British Values are promoted in so much of what we do - during our daily assemblies, through the teaching of Personal, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE) and Religious Education (RE) and through the delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum.  We value and celebrate the heritages of everybody at our school.  Alongside this, we value and celebrate being part of Britain. In general terms, this means that we celebrate traditions, for example, Harvest festival during the Autumn term.  We also value and celebrate national events, for example World Book day, Comic Relief and Children in Need.

Values are crucial to our school. As such, they are woven throughout the entire curriculum and throughout the school day. The children, parents and staff have all contributed towards deciding on the school’s values.

British values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

Each year the children decide upon their Class Code of conduct which underpin our school Values. All the children contribute to the drawing up of these rules for their classroom.

Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our active School Council and through annual pupil questionnaires.  The elections of School Council members are based solely on pupil votes. 

The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced every day.  If children are given warnings, they are helped to identify what school value/rule they have broken to ensure that this connection is made and understood.  They are also given an opportunity to reflect upon their behaviour and are always encouraged to make amends through restorative justice A large range of positive strategies and rewards are used to reinforce the school rules and values. To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a reward system which is consistently followed throughout the school based on the ‘Positive Pathway’.  Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the police, fire service, lifeguards etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty: 

Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices at our school, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, Lynsted and Norton provides boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and planned curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety teaching, PSHE, and RE lessons.  Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs, choosing the level of challenge in some lessons.  Our aim is for our children to become more involved and confident with self-led learning.

Mutual Respect:

Respect is one of Lynsted and Norton Primary School’s values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Our school’s vision is:

To create a positive and nurturing learning community, allowing everyone to thrive and reach their potential

This, along with our behaviour policy are based around core values such as ‘respect’ and ‘responsibility’ and these values determine how we live as a community at Lynsted and Norton Primary School.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

One of our aims is to offer a broad and balanced curriculum, which is culturally rich, and in which major religions are studied and respected.   We believe that tolerance is gained through knowledge and understanding.  We are proud to promote and celebrate different backgrounds and beliefs and mutual respect is at the heart of our ethos.  Discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are supported by learning in RE and PSHE, as well as our yearly Ani-Bullying Week.  Other lessons where we might develop awareness and appreciation of other cultures are English (through the books and themes studied) art and history.  During themed weeks, we may consider, celebrate and enjoy learning about the differences between people, groups, countries or cultures around the world.

If you would like to read more about the reasoning behind the recent focus by the Government/Ofsted on British values please see the link below:

http://www.gov.uk/government/news/guidance-on-promoting-british-values-in-schools-published