Promoting British Values

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 the Roselands and Stafford Federation these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.

The Roselands and Stafford Federation is committed to serving its local community. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi-faith nature of the UK and understand the crucial role our school plays in promoting these values.

We encourage admissions from all those entitled to education under British law regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status. We are a school for all.

This statement outlines the key British values we actively promote.

Democracy

Each year the children decide upon their class rules and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the rules. We have a student council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised from classes. The council is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

The Roselands and Stafford Federation actively promotes diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

Mutual Respect

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.

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 The Roselands and Stafford Federation. Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school. There are our class rules, playground rules and e-safety procedures. Pupils are 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. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

At the Roselands and Stafford Federation 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 informal 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 our e-safety and PSHE lessons.