British Values Statement

Like we have a set of core school values at Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infants School, in Britain we have a set of values that we hope to be shared by all. These values guide us to live in a place where everyone feels safe, valued and free to be themselves.

The government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ as values of:
• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

In accordance with The Department for Education we aim to actively promote British values in school at an age appropriate level to ensure our pupils leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.
At Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infant School these values reflect our own school vision, values and aims as "Together, we enjoy learning in a happy, caring and friendly environment” and are regularly enforced in the following ways:

Democracy

Democracy is embedded throughout Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infants School. Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully to one another, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinion and voices heard. Pupils are also able to air their ideas and opinions through our School Council which has representatives from each KS1 class in the school. The elections to the School Council are based on pupil votes, demonstrating democracy in action by reflecting the British electoral system. In EYFS children are invited to vote for stories they’d like to listen to at the end of the day to help them to start build an understanding of how a voting system works.

The Rule of Law

We strive to continually reinforce the importance of laws through our school and class rules as well as our Behaviour Policy. Pupils are taught that rules are used to protect us and are reminded of the need to follow the rules, of the reasons behind these rules and of the consequences to themselves and others if the rules are broken. Through our school assemblies, circle time and PSHE curriculum children are taught about respect and trust; they are supported to develop a strong sense of morality; knowing right from wrong and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult.

Individual Liberty

At Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infants School, we encourage pupils to make choices in a safe and supportive environment. Through our school values and the Jigsaw PSHE curriculum, pupils are taught about personal responsibility, choices, ambition and aspiration. They are taught how to keep themselves safe, including on-line. This is done through computing lessons, assemblies and outside organisations such as the NSPCC, in addition to the PSHE curriculum.
The pupils have ongoing opportunities to explore their identity and share their thoughts and feelings and all staff encourage children to access support and to freely talk about their feelings and any problems facing them.

Mutual Respect

Respect is at the heart of everything that we do at Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infant School and there is an expectation that respect is shown to everyone and to everything here. The core value of respect underpins our work every day, both inside and outside of the classroom. Through PSHE and RE curriculums and circle time pupils are taught to not only respect each other, but to also be cooperative and collaborative and to be supportive to one another. We also place a strong emphasis not only looking for similarities. but to also value and respect differences between each other. Our school assemblies explore ideas, stories and celebrations from a range of cultures and backgrounds. All adults at Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infant School model respectful behaviour at all times.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

At Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infant School, we teach the children to value and celebrate diversity rather than merely tolerate it. This is reflected in our RE, PSHE and Inclusion and Equality policies. An understanding of different faiths and beliefs is promoted through our Religious Education curriculum and children learn about different religions, their beliefs, places of worship and festivals. Through whole school assemblies we ensure significant religious and cultural festivals such as Diwali, Harvest Festival, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year and Easter are learnt about throughout the year. Whilst we place great emphasis on ensuring that we broaden pupils’ experiences and awareness of others’ cultures and beliefs we work hard to provide opportunities for pupils to explore their own culture and to enable them to have a clear understanding and appreciation of a wide range of the cultural influences that have shaped modern Britain. This is done by providing the children with an understanding of the main festivals and key dates of significance to British culture e.g. Remembrance Day, Children in Need, Christmas, Easter, significant Royal events, major political events such as elections and major sporting events such the Olympics and the World Cup.

The staff also work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that all pupils are happy, well cared for and enabled to learn the skills that they need to live a fulfilling life as part of the community. One of the ways we do this is through taking part in community events whenever possible.