Promoting British Values

At Dorothy Barley Infants we promote the British Values as:

Democracy

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. All children in both years 1 and 2 worked together with the Headteacher to create the school’s ‘Playground ‘ABC’ – Acceptable Behaviour Code. The school also has a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class council meetings. Each of the council members for each class are voted in by their peers. Mrs P Koniotes is the member of staff who manages the school council.

At the beginning of the Autumn term the children in years 1 and 2 nominate and vote for the children who they would like to represent their class on the school council.Each class has rights respecting ambassadors and playground buddies. The election of these children has been made by pupil votes. These children will attend regular meetings and voice opinions of fellow class mates to staff and SLT. Each class will also have daily monitors who have a range of jobs throughout the day.

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.

We have a structured behaviour policy which is followed throughout the school. Children are praised and rewarded for consistent good behaviour and attitudes to learning, each Friday a child from each year group will have the opportunity to take home one of our behaviour dogs, Dorothy, Barley or Dot. During our star of the week assembly the achievements of each class are celebrated and individual children receive certificates for their excellent academic achievements that week

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 extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

The school has delivered e-safety training to staff, children (reception, years 1 and 2) and parents.

Mutual Respect

At Dorothy Barley Infant 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

Staff and Governors alike place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children of our school. 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.  Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.

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