British Values
Promoting British Values at Lomeshaye Junior School
The Department of Education (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, and these values have been reiterated since 2014 and the Introduction of the prevent Duty in July 2015. At Lomeshaye these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
We have a school council from Year 3 through to Year 6 which meets every week, led by Mrs Malik, to discuss issues raised in each class. This is done by the class councillors asking a question each week, on a range of subjects, with the view of effecting change within our school. The two children elected in every class, to become a member of the school council, are voted for by their current class. School council members have the opportunity to meet local councillors, attend offices and meet politicians.
Through our curriculum children are taught about and encouraged to respect, public organisations and services.
We are always very proud to have a Pupil Management Team which also have an action plan to promote positive change in our school. This action plan is reviewed termly by the Head teacher and the senior leadership team and is actioned and led by the pupils.
Parents and carers can also make comments by becoming part of our PALS group and the Parent Champions. Both of these groups meet regularly to encourage our school to be part of the community by raising issues and organising events that bring people together.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they are those that rule the class, the school, or the country are consistently reinforced at Lomeshaye Junior School
Pupils are taught the rules of the school as Lomeshaye and these are reinforced in assemblies and throughout each day. Pupils also construct class charters to ensure that every class understand and agree on common expectations.
Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they oversee and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Community Support Officers and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
At Lomeshaye, the children are actively encouraged to make choices. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young children to make informed choices, through a safe environment and a nurturing education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms. They are guided how to exercise these safely. For example, through our E-Safety and PSHE work.
Lomeshaye has a anti-bullying, behaviour, safety and equalities policies in place to ensure that our children are respected as an individual and not discriminated against in any way.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
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 provides opportunities for the children to learn about other belief systems and cultures we have an annual whole school diversity theme where children experience activities of cultural interest, places of worship where visitors from a range of communities and organisations are welcomed into our school. Over the course of each year we support many local, national and international charities spreading our sense of responsibility to help others across the world regardless of their religious beliefs.