Statement on British Values

The DfE have 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.

At Caldecott School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy: The establishment of a new School Council each year models the democratic process. Each class from Year 2 upwards is responsible for electing two pupils to represent their class on the School Council.

The Rule of Law: At Caldecott we have a behaviour policy which enables everyone, parents, pupils, staff and governors, to share responsibility for creating an atmosphere which is conducive to a successful school. Our rules and expectations are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules are broken. Each class has a set of class rules which the children have themselves been involved in creating, Visits and talks from authorities such as the police; fire service; lifeguards etc. help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty: Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We provide boundaries for pupils to enable them to make choices safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Pupils have roles and responsibilities in school, for example, Caldecott stars, sports leaders and class helpers.

Mutual Respect: Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around Core Values such as ‘Respect’. Pupils discuss the current value in assemblies and PHSE lessons. Children who demonstrate positive use of our values are recognised and rewarded in assembly time.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs: Our R.E. curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures. Other cultures are often celebrated as part of other subjects e.g. learning about African culture in our Year 1 topic on Ghana. We also seek opportunities to value the different cultures of children within the school.