In accordance with the Department for Education guidance, Withymoor Primary School actively promotes Fundamental British Values to ensure pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to thrive in modern Britain. These values are embedded across the curriculum and reflected in the ethos of the school.

We promote democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Pupils are encouraged to express their views, make choices, and understand the importance of rules and laws in keeping people safe and ensuring fairness. Through our teaching, pupils learn to respect and value diversity, to challenge discrimination, and to recognise that although people may have different beliefs and opinions, everyone living in England is subject to the same laws.

We aim to prepare our pupils to be responsible, respectful and active citizens who contribute positively to society.

How Fundamental British Values Are Promoted in Practice

Democracy

• School Council representatives and Trust Council members are democratically elected, enabling pupils to experience and understand democratic processes and participate in decision-making.

• Regular pupil voice activities, including questionnaires and consultations, ensure pupils are listened to and contribute meaningfully to school improvement.

• A formal application and selection process for Head Pupils supports pupils in understanding responsibility, leadership and representation.

• Pupils are provided with a broad general knowledge of public institutions and services, helping them to understand their role within society.

• Teaching helps pupils understand how they can influence decision-making through democratic processes, including voting and representation.

• Democracy is taught explicitly through assemblies and the wider school curriculum.

• Pupils are encouraged to express their views confidently and respectfully, and staff model how perceived injustice can be peacefully and appropriately challenged.

Rule of Law

• School rules and expectations are clear, fair and consistently applied, helping pupils understand the importance of rules in creating a safe and orderly environment.

• A range of recognition and rewards reinforces positive behaviour and adherence to school rules.

• Skills builder and RSHE lessons provide opportunities for pupils to discuss current issues and understand right and wrong.

• A strong pastoral support system helps pupils develop moral understanding and make positive choices.

• Planned focus assemblies address key themes such as school rules, online safety and anti-bullying.

• Pupils are taught that living under the rule of law protects individuals and communities.

• Regular visits from police officers and PCSOs help pupils understand the role of the law within the local community.

Individual Liberty

• Pupils are supported to develop self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.

• Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour, understand their rights and make informed choices.

• Freedom of speech is modelled through pupil participation, discussion and debate, while ensuring respect for others and the protection of vulnerable pupils.

• Teaching actively challenges stereotypes and promotes equality.

• A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded across the school.

• E-safety education is taught throughout the school, supported by regular staff training.

• Reward systems, such as Class Dojo and Star of the Week, support pupils in developing confidence, motivation and a sense of achievement.

Mutual Respect and tolerance 

• The Jigsaw PSHE scheme is used within Personal Development lessons and assemblies to explore the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, promoting respect for individual differences and actively challenging stereotypes.

• A planned assembly programme is mapped across the year to explore significant and relevant current and critical news events, supporting pupils’ understanding of life in modern Britain.

• Positive role models reflecting the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 are explored through curriculum topics, helping pupils to see diversity represented positively.

• Any prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour is challenged promptly and effectively in line with the school’s behaviour and safeguarding policies.

• Pupils take part in visits to places of worship, with at least one visit annually per year group, to deepen understanding of different faiths and beliefs.

• Year groups study a range of religious festivals and learn about their significance and why they are celebrated.

• The school’s RE curriculum ensures pupils develop a secure understanding of a variety of religious beliefs, practices and customs.

• Teaching supports pupils to develop understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life, promoting tolerance and mutual respect.

• Oracy strategies,  are used to teach pupils how to disagree respectfully, listen to others’ viewpoints and express their opinions appropriately.

As a result of the school’s consistent promotion of Fundamental British Values, pupils demonstrate respectful attitudes towards others and a secure understanding of right and wrong. They show tolerance and appreciation of different faiths, cultures and viewpoints, and are confident to express their own opinions while listening to those of others. Pupils understand the importance of rules and laws and apply this knowledge positively in their behaviour and interactions. They feel safe, valued and included, and are well prepared to play an active and responsible role in modern British society.