Introduction

Preparing for life in Modern Britain: British Values

At Southglade Primary and Nursery School we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school.

All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and in particular, our differentiated PSHE skills ladder which includes Citizenship, elements of Spiritual Moral, Social and Cultural lessons and our Learning Values where planning is created for each half term linked to the value for that half term.

The Early Years Curriculum includes Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Understanding the World which help children to respect and value all people and provide opportunities to deepen and develop understanding. Children at Southglade embrace these concepts with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of how to apply to their own lives.

Our school makes considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown. Sporting events, a range enrichment activities including trips and visitors and the use of outdoor education are planned to ensure children’s experiences are broad, meaningful and varied. Their strong rooted ‘values-based’ understanding gives them an excellent platform for embracing difference.

Our Ofsted report (October 2016) states that,
‘Leaders ensure that activities to promote the pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and their understanding of fundamental British values are planned well and of high quality. For example, a recent visit to school by two members of staff from the Houses of Parliament was used as a starting point for the school’s own process for selecting a school council.’

What are British Values?
The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. At Southglade the British Values are known as 'Preparing for life in Modern Britain'. 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