There is a statutory duty on schools to promote British Values and to ensure they are taught in schools.

North Lakes School is committed to serving its local and wider community.  It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom.  It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

Our positive ethos states that:

We are committed to ensuring lasting achievement for all in a safe, inclusive and happy environment.

We will empower children to be resilient and responsible members of our world, and to become respectful, inspired lifelong learners who embrace challenge.

In pursuit of this ethos, North Lakes School follows equal opportunities guidance which guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or an protected characteristic. North Lakes School is dedicated to preparing learners for their adult life beyond the formal, examined curriculum and ensuring that it promotes and reinforces British values to all its students.

The five key “British Values” are:

• DEMOCRACY: Respect for democracy and support or participation in the democratic process
• RULE OF LAW: Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
• MUTUAL RESPECT: Support for equality of opportunity for all
• INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY: Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
• TOLERANCE OF OTHER FAITHS: Respect for and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs

North Lakes School recognises that these values are not solely exclusive to Britain and that these values have developed in Britain over a substantial period of time, often as a result of long and significant struggles. We also recognise that these values are maintained through the active engagement of citizens in truly democratic processes and institutions, of which schools are one element.

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and in line with its values, North Lakes School takes its duty to prevent intolerance, and radicalisation very seriously. The duty to challenge and prevent extremist views lies with Miss Rollings (Designated Safeguarding Lead), Mr Pincombe (Headteacher), and Mrs Askins (Safeguarding Governor). These key individuals are also responsible for ensuring that other staff are aware of their responsibilities..

There is no place for extremist views of any kind in our school, whether from internal sources – pupils, staff, visiting adults, governors etc., or external sources – school community, external agencies or individuals.  Any prejudice, discrimination or extremist views, including derogatory language, displayed by pupils, staff, visitors or parents will always be challenged and, where appropriate, dealt with.

We ensure that partisan political views are not promoted in the teaching of any subject in the school and where political issues are brought to the attention of the pupils, reasonably practicable steps are taken to offer a balanced presentation of opposing views to pupils.

The examples that follow show some of the many ways North Lakes seeks to instill and promote British Values.

DEMOCRACY

All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, explore and express their views through Philosophy for Children. Children are invited to make a meaningful contribution to the running of the school on matters that directly involve pupils. 

The School Council is elected annually and meets to discuss suggestions, concerns and to represent children’s views. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and surveys. Children are also involved practically in the selection processes of new staff.

The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days.  The school has been visited by Rory Stewart MP, and major events such as elections are discussed in school.  

THE RULE OF LAW

Our school follows our ‘Golden Rules’, which are embedded in our learning and ethos every day, and built around the single idea: “We treat others how we like to be treated”.

School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted. All children and parents sign up to our Home-School Agreement. Pupils are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground. We emphasise the importance of responsibility and self control.

Pupils are encouraged to respect the law and North Lakes promotes and supports the work of agencies such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance, etc. to help reinforce this message.

The school’s Positive Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policy has been discussed and agreed with pupils via School Council. We do not tolerate any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff and parents and carers.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

North Lakes advocates the safety and security of every individual pupil: when we feel safe, we are free to learn and to make our own choices. Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, in their learning in lessons and in playtime.

Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence and our Inclusion Quality Mark endorses our positive provision for all needs and abilities. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour. Our pastoral support, reflection time, Sanctuary and Sanctions groups, all reinforce the importance of making the right choices.

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 teaching, SEAL and Philosophy sessions.

Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged.  A strong anti-bullying stance is promoted in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed.  Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour, and to be “a defender, not a bystander”. The School Council takes an active role in this and North Lakes provides a very welcoming and inclusive community for all learners. 

Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Playground Buddies, Singing Leaders, Assembly monitors etc. Children’s ideas and initiative is encouraged for example in support of the Tibet earthquake appeal and the campaign to save the local fire station.

MUTUAL RESPECT

Respect is a core value at North Lakes – “We respect others” is one of our Golden Rules.  The pupils know and understand the meaning of respect and the importance that we value everyone, adults and children.

Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.

With Global Learning as a key curriculum driver, and our school’s Fair Trade Active Status the children are actively encouraged to broaden their awareness of difference and to value other perspectives in the world.

These topics and regular Philosophy for Children offer learners the chance to reflect on our core values and British values.

TOLERANCE OF THOSE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS AND BELIEFS

We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which major religions are studied and respected and global learning is embedded in many of our Curriculum topics. Our focus is on celebrating and valuing other cultures and beliefs.

Through the PSHE, SEAL and RE curricula pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences and similarities between people. Links and visits are promoted with faith communities and places of worship, and the school has a long established link with a primary school at Uru in Tanzania.

Assemblies, stories and news events, festivals and other opportunities are used to promote an understanding of and respect for many different faiths and beliefs. 

Picture Credit http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/10/22/1413968183741/Grayson-Perry-tapestry-Co-001.jpg

Updated July 2023