As directed by the Department for Education, schools have a duty to actively 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. These values were first set out by the government in the ‘Prevent’ strategy in 2011. In November 2014, schools were required to have a strategy for embedding these values and showing how their work with pupils has been effective in doing so.

At Selside Endowed CE Primary School, we uphold and teach pupils about British Values which are defined as:
 democracy.
 the rule of law.
 individual liberty.
 mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith.

The examples that follow are an indication of some of the many ways we seek to embed British values at Selside School.

• We closely link our teaching on Christian values in Collective worship, RE and PSHE with broader human values and British values.
• We ensure children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown, through for example, sporting events, a range of visits and use of outdoor education centres.
• Children are given opportunities to experience and appreciate different faiths and cultures within a diverse British society.
• We promote democratic processes through our children taking part in whole school meetings to talk and decide about important issues. Our Year 6 take part in a ‘Leadership day’ each September, where they think about what makes a good leader. This then leads to events throughout the year where they act as our ‘School Leaders’. Included in this, they are working towards the John Muir award.
• The local police and PCSOs visit school to support children in keeping the law and be safe. We have Year 4 and 5 trained as ‘Mini-Police’ , a scheme run by Cumbria Police.
• Children are given responsibility to support other children in games and activities so that they are fully involved in all aspects of school life through being Sports or play leaders.
• We often have special events where children learn in mixed age groups and older ones are encouraged to care for and lead younger children.
• Governors through the Pastoral and Curriculum committee monitor the impact of the school’s work in this area through pupil and parent conversations and learning walks.

Please click on link below for Parent’s guide

British values – a guide for parents