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. These values have always been important to us at Mill Mead. They are values we hold here in Britain, but are not exclusive to Britain. They are shared by others in Europe and the wider world. At Mill Mead these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and pupil voice interview with Subject Leaders and Governors. They are consulted on various issues in school and their views are taken into account when new initiatives are considered. Members of the local community such as the Mayor and councillors are invited into school.
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. Pupils understand the positive behaviour policy in school and the rewards and sanctions in it. Members of the police and fire service visit school regularly.
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that the are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young children to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and 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 e-Safety. Whether it be through choice of challenge or of participation in extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, children are given the freedom to make choices.
Our school ethos and behaviour policy embraces core values through the 6R's - Resilience, Responsibility, Readiness, Resourcefulness, Reflection and Respectful. The golden rules also reinforce this. Posters around the school promote these values and they are discussed in assemblies.
Pupils at Mill Mead will confidently talk about respecting all faiths. They celebrate the fact that there are children here of different faiths, who are proud to contribute ideas about their own beliefs during assemblies and in class RE lessons. We give them opportunities to experience and discuss diversity of faith, ethnicity and background. The school teaches about festivals from different faiths. Members of different faiths and families from varied ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning and understanding within classes and the school.