The DfE have 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 were reiterated in 2016. At Wyre Forest School, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

The school vision, aims and values clearly state the importance we place on each member of the school community as an individual who is valued and respected by everyone else. We Foster Success by providing a safe, happy environment in which all pupils can develop and achieve. Our values at Wyre Forest School are; enthusiasm, resilience, honesty, teamwork and trust.

Wyre Forest believes that pupil voice is important and helps pupils both to reflectively engage in their learning, and to consider or challenge the issues that are important to them at school. To support this process a member of staff co-ordinates ‘pupil voice’ across the school and ensures that all pupils, regardless of their disabilities are able to have a say in their education and the life of the school.

We have an active School Council that meet with the Headteacher to discuss issues raised in each class. The School Council is listened to by school staff and it is able to effect change.  Every child on the school council is voted in by other pupils in their class.

Focused work, where appropriate, during PHSE lessons, engages children in considering what it means to be British and that being British is about living alongside others in a multi-cultural community. Pupils are encouraged to understand the viewpoints and practices, backgrounds and contributions that everyone makes to the country.

All pupils complete an annual ‘Pupil Views’ questionnaire that is used to inform their Annual Review but is also used to enable them to put forward their views about the school. Pupils are able to complete, with support where necessary, different versions of the questionnaire depending upon their cognitive ability.

There is a shared understanding of what is politeness and good behaviour and this is promoted at all times.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at Wyre Forest School. Where appropriate class rules are agreed and displayed in classrooms.

Pupils are taught, at whatever level is appropriate, the rights of all pupils at the school.  They are also taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. For the youngest pupils in school this may be through topics/themes such as ‘People Who Help Us’.

Individual Liberty

At Wyre Forest 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 people to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an 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 Online Safety and PSHE work.

Wyre Forest promotes an anti-bullying culture and policies relating to behaviour and E-safety are in place.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Mutual respect is integral to provision at Wyre Forest. Children are encouraged to understand 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.

Wyre Forest provides opportunities for children to visit places of significant cultural interest and places of worship, and we actively encourage visitors from a range of communities and organisations into school, particularly during assemblies.

Each year, the school supports a range of charities that the children can identify with.  The school plans fundraising and awareness raising activities to support these charities.

 

PSHCE, SRE & RE - Long-Term Maps

Online Safety - Long-Term Maps