The DfE has 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.”

At Puddletown First School, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Each year, the children revisit our school rules of Ready, Respectful, Safe and what behaviours might look like to ensure these rules are kept. We discuss our rights and also the responsibilities that come with this.

We have an elected School Council which meets with Miss Bridge to discuss and plan ideas to help improve the school. Every child on the School Council is voted in by their class and elections take place, annually in September on ‘The United Nations International Day for Democracy’. Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.

 

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Puddletown First School.

Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. These are Be Ready, Be Respectful and Be Safe. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At Puddletown First School, 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 empowering 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 E-safety and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our Christian 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.

We promote mutual respect in all we do. Shining light Certificates that celebrate pupils showing our Christian values of Responsibility, Acceptance, forgiveness and Justice are presented in our Friday worship.

 

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.