Promoting British Values at Whitestone

Whitestone Infant School is committed to serving its community and surrounding areas. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those it serves. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

The school, as a ‘Community School’, accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. It follows the policies outlined by its governing body regarding equal opportunities, which guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It seeks to serve all.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ - values of:

• Democracy

• The rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

At Whitestone these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

• Democracy:

  Democracy is abundant within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Eco-Team, E-Safety Team and through Pupil questionnaires. Interviews are held for Year 2 Leadership Positions and roles are secured based on skills.

• The Rule of Law:

  The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind 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 & Fire Service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

• Individual Liberty:

  Within 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 choices safety, through of provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advise how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

• Mutual Respect:

  Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown.

• Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

  This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Whitestone enjoys close links with a local school which has a very different school make up in terms of religions & culture. This partnership is mutually beneficial and provides opportunities to share similarities and differences with our school communities. We hold the Foundation International Schools Award and have established close links with our partner school in Kakamega, Kenya.

  The list is not exhaustive, and represents only some of what we do as part of the National Curriculum and beyond.

For more information about how the school seeks to represent key British Values, contact the school office and a member of the School Leadership Team will be happy to provide further information.