Radcliffe on Trent Infant and Nursery School – British Values Statement

At Radcliffe on Trent Infant and Nursery School we ensure that through our school vision, values, rules, curriculum and teaching we promote tolerance and respect for all cultures, faiths and lifestyles. We value the ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families, undertaking a variety of events and lessons to celebrate and explore these, alongside other cultures in our country.We believe that we have a duty to prepare our children for life in modern Britain and to keep them safe.

DEMOCRACYWe have a School Council which consists of two members from each KS1 class who are nominated and voted for by their classmates. They meet every few weeks with the Staff Pupil council representative to discuss a range of issues. These issues include social and moral elements of school life, such as creating codes of conduct for playtimes and modelling positive behaviours for their peers. The areas for discussion are then fed back to the rest of the class where they can all share their views and thoughts. Where decisions need to be made, each class member has a vote to ensure their opinion is heard.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTYWe encourage our children to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment to enable them to do this. Through our curriculum we discuss different choices they may make and their consequences. Children are continually encouraged to make the right choices by all adults working in school and this theme is revisited through a programme of class assemblies and circle times. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons. We encourage independent thinking, allowing the children to reflect on their learning and the choices they have made. The importance of making safe choices when using the Internet is explored regularly through the Computing curriculum and shared with the whole school.

TOLERANCE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFSAll different faiths and beliefs are explored and celebrated through assemblies, RE sessions and visitors into school on a weekly basis. Children are taught that people have different faiths and beliefs and that these should be accepted. Children within our school of all faiths are encouraged to share their practices and special celebrations. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children regularly visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. Parents/carers are invited to share celebrations and theme days from a range of faiths with us. Planning for RE is directed by the Nottinghamshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. Our English curriculum includes texts from a range of cultures to further raise children’s awareness of different cultures, faiths and beliefs.We link up with a contrasting school through the British Council Schools Twinning Programme, in Kampala, Uganda.

THE RULE OF LAWOur Rainbow Rules are outlined in our Behaviour Policy, which is shared with parents and carers. Class teachers discuss these rules with their pupils and personalize them according to the age and needs of the class. All adults and children agree to the rules, which are clearly displayed in the classroom. These rules are revisited through PSHE lessons, Rainbow rules assemblies and class circle times. There are clear sanctions for broken rules, which every class uses. Children understand that school and class rules are there to protect us and are essential for our wellbeing and safety.

MUTUAL RESPECTOur whole school ethos is built around mutual respect. We are an inclusive school which values everyone. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. Our Behaviour Policy engenders our basic belief in mutual respect. Our “Rainbow Rules” are reinforced in day to day teaching and assemblies. Achievement is celebrated across the school; in assemblies, through regular contact with parents and through our website and newsletter. Children are encouraged to respect each other throughout the school day.