St Michael's Primary School, Withyham

Promoting British Values at St Michael’s Primary School, Withyham

The DfE  reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation of 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.” 

Teaching staff recieved training in this area.  Some of the information is included in the powerpoint below.

At the start of each year the children decide upon their class rules and the rights associated with these. All children contribute to the drawing up of their class rules.

We have a School Council, which meets every Monday with the Head Teacher. Every class should have weekly class council meetings.  Issues raised at these are then discussed with the School Council.  The School Council works with the community menbers of whom also sometimes attend School Council meetings, for example members of the Parish Council, and Governors. Elections for members of the School Council take place at the start of each year. 

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at St Michael’s Primary.

Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are our Golden Rules, Playground Rules and Safety Rules. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, which govern and protect us.  We also discuss the responsibilities that come with these rights and laws and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message. 

At St Michael’s, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an inspiring education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our eSafety and PSHE lessons. 

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.