The DfE have recently 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. The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated this year (2014).  At Duckmanton these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways: 

Democracy 

Duckmanton is a UNICEF Rights Respecting school. Each year, the children decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the charter. 

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council has its own budget and is able to genuinely effect change within the school. Two of the three council members for each year groups are voted in by their class. Each term, the children in years 2-6 are able to nominate and vote for children to achieve an “excellence certificate”. 

Children have an annual questionnaire with which they are able to put forward their views about the school.  Subject coordinators and Governors also survey the children annually.  Teachers plan lessons responding to the children’s interests. 

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 and Fire Service 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 safely, through provision of a safe environment and 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. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extracurricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.  

Mutual Respect 

As a Rights Respecting School, mutual respect is at the heart of our 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. 

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs 

Duckmanton is situated in an area which is not greatly culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE, PSHE and RRSA teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. 

At Duckmanton we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.