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British Values

British Values

Schools have a duty to 'actively 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.

Ringwood Junior School promotes these British Values regularly in many ways:

   

Democracy 

  • We vote for who represents us on the School Council.
  • We help develop school policies like 'Anti-bullying'.
  • We help decide which charities or good causes we raise money for.

The rule of law

  • We agree our 'Class Charter' at the beginning of the year and abide by it.
  • We understand the importance of having rules in our school and following our Golden Rules.
  • We understand the consequences of breaking the rules.
  • We know that rules protect us and influence our behaviour.

Individual liberty

  • We have the freedom to make choices about which clubs we join.
  • We know that everyone has rights but that responsibilities go with them.
  • Our school TERRIFIC Values encourage us to be responsible and show commitment.
  • We are an anti-bullying school.

Mutual respect and tolerance for those of other faiths and beliefs 

  • We use opportunities such as the Olympics and Rugby World Cup to  learn about different cultures.
  • We make all visitors feel welcome in our school and enjoy visits to places of worship for other faiths.
  • We treat all people and each other with respect.
  • We promote diversity through celebrations of different faiths and cultures.
  • We have close links with a primary school in Kenya

The prevention of radicalisation

At Ringwood Junior School we will actively challenge children, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including those expressing ‘extremist’ views.

Preventing radicalisation and extremism

Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind.

Extremism is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views.

At Ringwood Junior School we have a zero tolerance approach to extremist behaviour for all school community members. We rely on our strong values to steer our work and ensure the pastoral care of our children protects them from exposure to negative influences.

Our school is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its children. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. All staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

  • Children are encouraged to adopt and live out our TERRIFIC Values. These complement the key British Values of tolerance, respect, understanding, compassion and harmonious living.
  • Children are helped to understand the importance of democracy and freedom of speech, through assemblies, topical issues, the lessons of history and through the elected School Council members.
  • Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, in school and when using the internet.
  • Children participate in local community events so that they appreciate and value their neighbours and friends who may not share their faith background.
  • Children’s wellbeing, confidence and resilience is promoted through our planned curriculum and extra-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Children are supported in making good choices from a very young age, so they understand the impact and consequences of their actions on others.

The role of the curriculum and personal development

Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. Children are encouraged to express themselves through discussions, debates and consultations. The RE (Religious Education), PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education), Citizenship and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) provision is embedded across the curriculum, and underpins the ethos of our school. Children learn about major faiths and visit places of worship wherever possible. They are also taught about how to stay safe when using the internet. Whilst all of these enable the children to become well-rounded individuals we recognise the importance of resilience in preventing children being drawn into extremist ways of thinking and seek to build this across all areas of learning.

Although incidents involving radicalisation have not occurred at Ringwood Junior School to date, it is important for us to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues which affect the region in which we live and teach. Staff are reminded to suspend any professional disbelief that instances of radicalisation ‘could not happen here’ and to refer any concerns through the Child Protection/Safeguarding Lead Teachers.