British values

Our school reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to promote resilience and a strong ethos of British values through our relationships and our curriculum. We work hard to ensure that our children grow up with a strong sense of inclusion within British Society and the belief that they all can contribute and benefit from being part of the wider British Community. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our school, our local community and the wider world.

At Greatwood Community Primary and Nursery School we actively promote British values in the following ways:

Democracy

  • Whenever possible children are reminded that Greatwood Community Primary and Nursery School, BD23 and Skipton are part of the UK, which is a democratic community and that they are expected to actively contribute and to benefit from this involvement.
  • All children are encouraged to debate and discuss topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils.  Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and pupil surveys.
  • We have an active school council whose members are elected by their Peers. Where possible decisions are taken by the Council on behalf of the children.
  • The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days.
  • Where possible significant events at local, National and International level are discussed.

Rule of Law

  • At Greatwood we have a consistently applied set of school rules that are designed to emphasise and reward positive behaviour.
  • School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
  • Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground.
  • Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and at Greatwood we regularly enjoy visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, etc. to help reinforce this message
  • The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents and carers.

Individual Liberty 

  • Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
  • Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and PSCHE lessons.
  • Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged.  A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.
  • Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Year 6 monitors, Sports Leaders, Librarians, School Councillors.

Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different beliefs 

  • Respect is one of the core values of our school. It is also a core value of all the different Faith Communities represented in school. The pupils know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
  • Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
  • Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
  • Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. E.g. Members of different faiths or religions are invited to school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class.
  • Through the PSCHE and RE curriculums pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
  • Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.
  • We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our Curriculum topics.  These curriculum topics offer children the chance to reflect on our core values and British values.

Our committment to the PREVENT strategy 

Greatwood Community Primary and Nursery School is committed to and aware of our responsibilities towards the government’s PREVENT strategy as part of our ongoing work regarding Safeguarding and Child Protection. We recognise the need to work in partnership with the LCSB, the LA and the Police.  Staff have attended the WRAP training.  All staff have received ‘Prevent’ training and understand about and how to deal with any anti-extremism/radicalisation issues they may see inside or outside school. Working with our local PREVENT Police Sergeant we have compiled our statutory risk assessments for both a general understanding of the risks affecting children and young people in the area and a specific understanding of how to identify individual children who may be at risk of radicalisation and what to do in order to fully support them.

Please click here for a link to the official government document. A website for useful resources for parents, staff and leaders can be found here.