British Values

British Values at Somerdale Educate Together Primary School

At Somerdale Educate Together Primary School, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment where every child is valued. We actively promote British Values throughout school life and link them closely with our work as a Rights Respecting School, ensuring that children understand their rights, responsibilities and role within their community and wider society.

British Values are taught through our curriculum, assemblies, themed learning, and daily interactions, helping pupils to develop into confident, respectful and active citizens.

Democracy

Children at Somerdale Educate Together Primary School are encouraged to have a voice and to understand that their views matter.

  • Pupils take part in class discussions, debates and decision-making.
  • Opportunities such as School Council and pupil voice activities allow children to help shape school life.
  • Voting is used to make choices, helping children understand fairness and democratic processes.

Rights Respecting link:
Article 12 – the right to have their views heard and taken seriously.

Examples in practice include:

  • A whole-school Day of Democracy, including Listening Team elections
  • Class discussions where children vote on ideas, texts or shared decisions
  • Learning linked to Children’s Day, focusing on children’s rights and participation

The Rule of Law

We help pupils to understand why rules are important and how they help keep everyone safe and treated fairly.

  • School rules are clear, consistent and developed with the children.
  • Pupils learn about the consequences of actions and the importance of taking responsibility
  • Children are supported to understand rules both in school and in the wider community.

Rights Respecting link:
Article 28 – the right to learn in an environment where everyone respects shared expectations.

Examples in practice include:

  • Learning during Anti-Bullying Week about behaviour, fairness and resolving conflict
  • Road Safety Week, exploring rules that help keep people safe in the community
  • Safer Internet Day, helping pupils understand online rules and responsibilities

Individual Liberty

At Somerdale Educate Together Primary School, children are encouraged to be independent, confident and resilient learners

  • Pupils are supported to make choices and express themselves safely
  • We promote self-esteem, wellbeing and positive risk-taking
  • Children learn how to stay safe, including online safety and knowing when to ask for help

Rights Respecting link:
Article 13 – freedom of expression
Article 19 – the right to be safe from harm.

Examples in practice include:

  • Learning during Child Mental Health Week, supporting emotional wellbeing
  • PSHE lessons linked to themes such as Perseverance, Kindness and Courage
  • Opportunities for pupil choice in learning, creative work and problem-solving

Mutual Respect

Respect is at the heart of everything we do.

  • Children are taught to listen to others, value different opinions and show kindness
  • Positive relationships between pupils, staff and families are actively promoted
  • We encourage cooperation, teamwork and celebration of achievement

Rights Respecting link:
Article 2 – the right to be treated fairly and without discrimination.

Examples in practice include:

  • Monthly whole-school themes such as Respect, Friendship, Empathy and Thankfulness
  • Learning during Disability History Month and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
  • Restorative approaches that support respectful communication and understanding

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

As an inclusive and equality-based school, we celebrate diversity and promote understanding of different cultures, beliefs and backgrounds.

  • Children learn about a range of religious and non-religious worldviews
  • We encourage curiosity, open-mindedness and respectful discussion
  • Pupils are taught that diversity strengthens our community.

Rights Respecting link:
Article 14 – freedom of thought, belief and religion.

Examples in practice include:

  • Cultural Diversity Day, celebrating cultures, languages and traditions
  • Pride Month, promoting inclusion, identity and respect for difference
  • Learning through events such as World Food Day and Music and Culture Day

Preparing Children for Life in Modern Britain

By embedding British Values within a Rights Respecting School framework, Somerdale Educate Together Primary School ensures that children:

  • Feel safe, valued and listened to
  • Understand their rights and responsibilities
  • Respect diversity and challenge discrimination
  • Develop the skills to participate positively in school and wider society

We are proud to nurture children who are compassionate, confident and ready to contribute to a fairer, more inclusive world.