British Values & Equality

In November 2014 the DfE 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.” – Promoting Fundamental British Values as part of SMSC in Schools, DfE November 2014. At Grimoldby Primary School, these values are reinforced regularly alongside our school vision, school values and our school charter.

We actively teach and promote Fundamental British values in the following ways:

Democracy: Making decisions together

We have a School Council which has two representatives from each class and four from Year 6, voted in by class members and peers. The council meets regularly with the Head Teacher to discuss issues raised in class or from other school situations. Pupil Voice is highly valued here at our school, and the School Council organise their own activities and fund raising events such as Red Nose Day and Children in Need.
The council is genuinely able to effect change and their input to decision making, such as surveys and fundraising, is greatly valued. We actively try to involve all children in decision making throughout the school.

The Rule of Law: Understanding rules

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Grimoldby Primary School. Our School Charter was introduced following consultation with all children and staff. Elements of the Charter are discussed at the beginning of every term and are clearly displayed across the school. The Charter is then explored further in lessons and used to support our Behaviour policy.
Children are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

Individual Liberty: Freedom for all

At Grimoldby Primary School, children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young children to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, children are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance: Treat others as you want to be treated

Mutual respect is at the heart of our 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 is not in an ethnically diverse area, and so it is crucial that we actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Collective worship, Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. We have started to invite members of different faiths and religions into school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within classes and the school. Where possible, the children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.

At Grimoldby Primary School, we will actively challenge children, staff, parents, governors or visitors expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including ‘extremist’ views.