British Values
At Urchfont Primary School, we are committed to helping children develop as confident, responsible, and thoughtful members of society. We recognise the importance of British Values, as set out by the Department for Education, and we embed these values into everyday school life, alongside our school vision and values.
Democracy
- All children are encouraged to share their opinions, debate topics of interest, and contribute to the running of the school.
- Pupils’ voices are heard through Pupil Voice sessions, questionnaires, and discussions, influencing aspects of the Behaviour Policy and rewards system.
- The principles of democracy are explored in:
- Curriculum lessons
- Assemblies
- Special days
- Pupils participate in school council elections and sometimes contribute to staff recruitment processes.
- Our six Christian school values and the theme of trees for our family groups (Cedar, Maple, Sycamore) were also decided through pupil and staff voice, showing how everyone in the school community helps shape life at Urchfont.
Rule of Law
- Children learn to understand and respect rules and laws that keep everyone safe and support learning.
- Golden Rules and class-specific rules are embedded across school life.
- Rules are reinforced in:
- Classrooms
- Assemblies
- Playgrounds
- Children are supported to distinguish right from wrong and understand the importance of rules at all levels.
- Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set a zero-tolerance baseline for aggression or abuse.
- Pupils’ achievements are celebrated through:
- Stickers
- Merit points
- Class Star of the Week
- End-of-term Celebration Assembly certificates
- Lunchtime Supervisors promote Playground Rules to encourage fair and happy play.
- Pupils learn that laws are essential for fairness, safety, and wellbeing, helping them understand responsibility and consequences.
Individual Liberty
- Pupils are encouraged to make choices and take responsibility for their actions in a safe environment.
- Clear boundaries and guidance help children exercise their rights and freedoms safely, including through:
- E-safety lessons
- PSHRE (Personal, Social, Health, and Relationship Education)
- Pupils are supported to develop self-knowledge, confidence, and self-esteem.
- Children are empowered to make decisions about:
- Their learning
- How they record their work
- Participation in extra-curricular activities
- Vulnerable pupils are protected, stereotypes are challenged, and anti-bullying culture is embedded.
- Pupils take on key roles and responsibilities such as:
- School Council members
- Classroom monitors
- Worship Warriors
- Playground leaders
- Children learn to exercise freedom responsibly, make positive choices, and balance liberty with respect for others.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
- Respect is a core value, expected of all pupils for everyone—adults and children alike.
- Pupils learn to appreciate and respect diversity, including:
- Faiths and beliefs
- Cultural backgrounds
- Abilities and needs
- Gender and family situations
- Assemblies, RE, and PSHRE lessons teach pupils what respect, tolerance, and school values look like in everyday life.
- Children are encouraged to speak up against unfair or unkind behaviour and engage in discussions about differences to promote understanding and empathy.
- Pupils develop an understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society.
- Our curriculum covers:
- All major religions
- Global perspectives through Creative Curriculum topics and enrichment days
- Staff and Governors are trained to recognise signs of radicalisation or extremism and report concerns to Designated Safeguarding Leads, ensuring safety and wellbeing.
- By fostering mutual respect, tolerance, and vigilance, pupils are prepared to live responsibly in a diverse society and help create a safe, inclusive, and caring school community.