Democracy

In addition to the humanities and PSHE curriculum,  we listen to children’s and parents’/carers’ views. Our school behaviour policy is clear that children are encouraged to contribute and cooperate, taking into account the views of others. Parent/carer surveys and children questionnaires are taken to inform our practice.

Voting for roles in classes and across the school reflects the British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action. This is further reinforced by our 'agents for change', pupil voice linked to curriculum development, circle time discussion and class agreements. 

In EYFS we support children’s personal, social and emotional development (PSED) by giving them opportunities to develop their self-confidence and self-awareness, to make choices and decisions about what they want to explore and how they’re going to use the resources we have made accessible to them. (PSED)

The Rule of Law

We consistently reinforce our high expectations of children. Children are taught the value and reasons behind our expectations in the form of our school rules (safe, ready, respect) and the school's wellbeing and behaviour policy. We reinforce that they are there to protect us, that everyone has a responsibility and that there are clear rewards and consequences. This is reinforced in different contexts:

Whole school rules, playground rules and class rules are discussed regularly and reinforced through assemblies and circle times. Children can contribute to classroom expectations at the start of the year. In RE lessons, children learn about rules for particular faiths; in PE they learn how to play team games and appreciate fair play. During assemblies and cycle training they learn road safety rules and in PSHE and computing, they learn how to keep themselves and others safe online.

In EYFS we learn the difference between right and wrong: about behaving within agreed and clearly defined boundaries and about dealing with consequences. (PSED)

Individual Liberty

Within school, children 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 children to make choices safely.

In EYFS we focus on children’s self-confidence and self-awareness and people and communities. (PSED/UW) We help children to develop a positive sense of themselves and to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and increase their confidence in their own abilities

The PSHE Curriculum teaches the importance of making safe choices and encouraging children to develop independence and freedom to make choices for themselves. They also explore the importance of developing healthy lifestyle choices and having positive relationships with other children and adults.

Mutual Respect

'Respect' is one of our school rules.

Staff help children understand respect by modelling respectful, caring relationships and listening skills. Staff also help children to understand respect by talking about how actions and words can affect others both in person and online. 

In EYFS we learn to treat others as we want to be treated. How to be part of a community, to manage our feelings and behaviour and form positive relationships with others.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We aim to enhance children’s understanding of different faiths and beliefs by participating in a range of celebrations throughout the year. Children have the opportunity to visit different places of worship such as a local church and mosque to further develop their understanding. The RE curriculum, taught across all classes, teaches the children about the world religions, the main beliefs and religious festivals; as well as an appreciation that others' hold different beliefs. The PSHE curriculum encourages children to be aware of and celebrate their differences and similarities. We have an ethos of inclusivity and tolerance in our setting, where views, faiths, cultures and races are valued and where we encourage children to engage with their wider community.