The promotion and ethos of British Values is a key part of life at Stocksfield Avenue Primary School. They are an integral element to our approach to teaching and learning.  

The Department for Education define British Values as having 5 different elements: 

• Democracy 
• The rule of law 
• Individual liberty 
• Mutual respect 
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs 

The following information highlights just a few of the ways that these values form part of our everyday school life. 

Democracy 

• Every member of the school community; children, parents and staff have opportunities for their voices to be heard, for example through questionnaires and forums.  

• All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school.  

• The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days. 

• Each class votes for a representative for a School Council, Eco and a Well-Being champion.

Rules and Laws 

We have three school rules, which are fundamental to our learning and ethos every day.  

• We are kind 
• We are safe 
• We are respectful 

• School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted through, praising children’s efforts. Rewards are given in the form of stickers, dojo points and reward cards.  

• Children’s achievements are recognised during celebration assemblies. 

• Pupils are always supported to distinguish right from wrong in the classroom and on the playground. 

• The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies encourage the restorative practice process to resolve conflict. 

• Pupils are encouraged to respect the law, understanding that it used to protect us and keep us safe. 

• Pupils are taught about religious laws through Religious Education lessons. 

• Internet safety rules are taught and discussed with pupils.

• The use of social stories to support understanding of consequences and behaviour.

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. 

• Children are consulted on many aspects of school life and via the school council. 

• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school for example; School Council, Science Representatives and Reading Buddies.  

• 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. 

• A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school through our participating in Anti-Bullying Week, dedicated assemblies and regularly reinforcing our school rules.  

• Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised on how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and Personal, Social and Health Economic (PSHE) lessons. 

Mutual Respect

• 'We are respectful’ is one of our school rules. The pupils know and understand that respect is shown to everyone – both adults and children. 

• Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of and respect for their own and other cultures and ways of life. 

• Use of our No Outsiders scheme within PSHE lessons and assemblies to explore the protected characteristics of the 2010 Equality Act to promote respect for individual differences and to actively challenge stereotypes. 

• Use of our No Outsiders assemblies to explore critical news events (e.g. terrorist attacks, Black Lives Matter etc). 

• Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour. 

• Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. 

• 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. 

• We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected.  

• We celebrate different key events in our local faith communities, for example; Diwali, Eid, Christmas.  

• Our school menu has special ‘international days’ in which children taste food originating from different countries.