British Values
At Ranelagh Primary School we value the diversity of backgrounds of all pupils, families, and the wider school community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom. We follow equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, political or financial status, or similar.
The Department for Education states that there is a 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 Department for Education defines British Values as follows:
Democracy
The rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Ranelagh Primary School reflects British values in everything that we do.
We actively promote British values in the following ways:
Democracy
The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days.
All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest and express their views
School council has a strong voice and its members are elected democratically in class
Pupils have their voices heard through the School Council
Pupils are at the heart of many initiatives including choosing equipment for the playground and electing a new catering provider
Equal opportunities policy is in place, shared and followed; the policy is reviewed regularly
The governing body and staff reflect the people and community of the school. Senior leaders and subject leaders regularly talk to pupils about their views on school life
Class votes to make key decisions
Parental questionnaires
Rule of Law
School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted.
The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero-tolerance baseline to any form of aggression, abuse or violence.
Pupils are taught the values and reasons behind laws - to govern and protect us – the responsibilities that these involve and the consequences when they are broken
Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and Ranelagh Primary School invites visitors from authorities such as the Police, Road safety and Ipswich Borough council, etc. to help reinforce this message
Everybody has the opportunity to succeed
Individual Liberty
Create a safe environment for all
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged and given the freedom to make choices, e.g. by signing up for extra-curricular clubs.
Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
The anti-bullying policy and safeguarding policies are vigorous
Charitable events are held in the school
School meals and projects encourage children to make choices over healthy foods
Digital safeguarding workshops for parents
The school promotes Safer Internet Day and strongly disseminates e-safety advice to all stakeholders regularly e.g. via the website and Twitter
Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Year 3/4 Dining hall Monitors, Year 5/6 Playground leaders and Playground Buddies, etc.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
Respect is one of the core values of our school and is promoted through our school aims, assemblies, and the behaviour policy.
School assemblies celebrate our wide range of diversity, and themes also celebrate our similarities, so pupils learn to live alongside each other in harmony, going beyond the concept of ‘tolerance’
The school has elected Parent Ambassadors to forge links with and between communities
Staff are positive role models
Through the PSHE 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.
Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship e.g. members of different faiths or religions are invited to the school to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class.
We believe that children from Ranelagh Primary School will become caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive difference to British society and to the world.