Promoting Fundamental British Values

At our school, we are committed to promoting the Fundamental British Values as outlined by the Department for Education. We believe it is important that all children develop the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to become respectful, responsible and active members of modern British society.

We encourage our pupils to value diversity, show respect towards people from all backgrounds, faiths and cultures, and understand that everyone has both rights and responsibilities. Children are also taught the importance of following the law and recognising that the same laws apply to everyone.

The five Fundamental British Values are:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

These values are woven throughout school life and are promoted through our PSHE curriculum, assemblies and pupil leadership opportunities, including our School Council. Children are encouraged to explore what each value means and, importantly, how they can put these principles into practice in their everyday lives.

Our work on British Values is closely linked to our own school values and ethos, helping to develop kind, confident and caring learners who have high aspirations for themselves and others.

Democracy

We help children understand the importance of having a voice and how people can influence decisions through democratic processes.

• Our elected School Council gives pupils the opportunity to share their views, represent their classmates and contribute to decisions that affect school life.
• School Council members are involved in discussions and decisions about supporting local and national charities.
• Children learn about the origins of democracy through historical studies of Ancient Greece and Rome, as well as exploring how the role of British monarchs has changed over time.
• Democracy is further explored through PSHE lessons, circle times, assemblies and visits from members of the community.
• We encourage children to take on responsibilities and contribute positively to school life.

Through these experiences, children develop an understanding of fairness, representation, having a voice and respecting the opinions of others.

The Rule of Law

We teach children why laws are important and how they help to keep everyone safe, protect individual rights and support a fair society.

• Our expectations for behaviour are clearly communicated through our praise-led Behaviour Policy, encouraging children to make positive choices and take responsibility for their actions.
• We celebrate positive behaviour and achievements through Hot chocolate awards, Headteacher awards, Class Dojo points, stickers and Celebration Assemblies.
• Through our school values children explore the importance of right and wrong, honesty, trust and respect, and learn that making the right choice is important even when it can be challenging.
• We welcome visits from our local police officer and PCSO, who help children understand the role of the police and the importance of laws within our community.
• Community groups and Derby Road Safety teams visit school to help pupils understand how to behave responsibly and safely in their local area.
• The Fire Service provides valuable advice about keeping safe both inside and outside the home.
• Our Safeguarding Policy helps ensure that the welfare and safety of all children remain a priority.
• Children are encouraged to share their ideas and views about school life through suggestion boxes and circle-time discussions.
• Through Bikeability, pupils learn important road safety skills and how to make sensible decisions when travelling independently.
• Online safety is taught through our computing curriculum.
• Our curriculum also includes real-life learning opportunities that help children understand the importance of laws and responsibilities, including topics such as oil spills and their impact on the environment.

Individual Liberty

We encourage children to develop confidence, independence and an understanding of their own rights and responsibilities. Through our school values and PSHCE curriculum, pupils learn about making positive choices, taking responsibility and developing their own interests and aspirations.

• Children are encouraged to explore their individual interests and talents through opportunities in art, music, sport and a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
• We provide opportunities for pupils to participate in sporting activities, competitions, lunchtime clubs and after-school activities.
• Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, both online and in the wider community, through computing lessons, the PSHCE curriculum and visits from external organisations.
• We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels valued. Our Anti-Bullying Policy supports our ongoing work to prevent bullying and ensure children understand the importance of treating others fairly.
• Through Bikeability, children develop the confidence and skills to make safe and sensible decisions when out in the local community.
• Residential experiences in Years 5 and 6 provide opportunities for children to develop independence, resilience and confidence.
• We welcome members of the local community into school to share their knowledge and experiences, helping children develop an understanding of their local area, its history and the people who have shaped it.

We want every child to feel confident to express themselves, make informed choices and have the freedom to pursue their interests in a safe and supportive environment.

Mutual Respect

At Meadow Farm, we believe that respect is at the heart of a happy, safe and inclusive school community. Children are taught to value one another, celebrate differences and understand the importance of treating everyone fairly.

• Our Behaviour Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy help establish clear expectations for how we treat one another.
• Through Religious Education, children explore the importance of respect for others and learn about different beliefs, traditions and ways of life.
• Our curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to develop an understanding of caring for the environment, supporting others and making a positive contribution to the community.
• Children are encouraged to work together, listen to different opinions, celebrate similarities and appreciate the differences that make each person unique.
• Mutual respect is reinforced through PSHCE lessons and assemblies.
• We are proud of our diverse school community and ensure that all children and families are welcomed, valued and treated equally, including those who speak English as an additional language (EAL) and families from travelling communities.
• Children have opportunities to participate in and enjoy performances across different year groups, developing confidence and appreciation of one another's talents.
• We actively support a range of charitable events and fundraising activities, including Comic Relief, Macmillan and Children in Need.
• Pupils and families are encouraged to support fundraising through non-uniform days, sponsored events and other school initiatives.
• Children are encouraged to take pride in their surroundings by respecting our school grounds, caring for the environment and keeping our outdoor spaces clean and tidy.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We believe that children should grow up with an understanding and appreciation of the different faiths, beliefs and cultures within our society. We teach pupils that everyone has the freedom to hold and practise their own beliefs, and that this freedom is protected by law.

• Our Behaviour Policy and Equality Policy support our commitment to ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
• Children learn about a variety of religions and worldviews, exploring their beliefs, traditions, places of worship, prayer practices and important celebrations.
• Children's learning about different faiths and cultures is celebrated through displays and shared work around the school.
• We are proud to celebrate diversity and encourage children to be curious, respectful and open-minded about the world around them.
• Children are given opportunities to visit places of worship, allowing them to experience different religious settings and develop a greater understanding of the beliefs and practices of others.

Through these experiences, we aim to develop children who are respectful, tolerant and accepting of others, recognising that our differences make our community richer and more diverse.