British Values and Healey Junior, Infant and Nursery School

Statement on British Values

Healey Junior, Infant and Nursery School is committed to serving the local community and its surrounding areas.  We recognise the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever‐changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those we serve.  We also understand the vital role we have in ensuring that groups or individuals within our school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalization by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence people.

Healey, as  an  inclusive  establishment,  accepts  admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none.  We follow the policies outlined by our governing body  regarding  equal  opportunities,  which  guarantee that  there  will  be  no discrimination against  any  individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar.  We seek to serve all.

The government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent  Strategy.’ ­Through our provision and actions, we will, in an  age-appropriate  manner, promote British Values to:

• enable pupils to develop  their  self-­‐knowledge,  self-­esteem and self-­confidence;

• enable  pupils  to  distinguish  right  from  wrong  and  to  respect the civil and criminal law of England;

• encourage pupils to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely;

• enable pupils to acquire a broad general knowledge of and respect for public institutions and services in England;

• further tolerance and harmony between different cultural traditions by enabling pupils to acquire an appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures;

• encourage respect for other people;

• encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic  processes, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England.

The list below describes the understanding and knowledge expected of pupils as a result of our school promoting fundamental British values.

• an understanding of how citizens can influence decision-­making through the democratic process;

• an  appreciation  that  living  under  the  rule  of  law  protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety;

• an understanding  that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that while some public bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account through Parliament, others such as the courts maintain independence;

• an understanding that the freedom  to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law;

• an  acceptance  that  other  people  having  different  faiths  or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour; and

• an  understanding of the importance of identifying  and combatting discrimination.

It is not necessary for schools or individuals to ‘promote’ teachings, beliefs or opinions that conflict with their own, but nor is it acceptable for schools to promote discrimination against people or groups on the basis of their belief, opinion or background.

Healey School secures such standards and uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond  to secure appropriate outcomes for children. The information below outlines examples of when and where such British Values are shared. The below is not exhaustive, and represents only some of what we do.

Subject  studies:   Developing the skill base required to access/share information, make/express opinions or decisions and apply themselves to society and the world. This includes the understanding and use of money, effective writing and reading skills, collaborative work to discuss and research ideas and concepts, and gain a broad and balanced understanding of the society in which we live. Further aspects of study include historical and geographical contexts of the United Kingdom, incorporating local and national evolution, as well as international comparisons.

Whole school daily acts of collective worship/assembly:  The sharing of stories, images, events and expectations that, with clarity and precision, promote the values expressed. Such proceedings vary in the methodology of delivery in order to secure interest and understanding and are designed to impact on children regardless of knowledge, experience or cognitive maturity. As a ‘community school’, ‘collective worship’ is non-­denominational and recognizes that those attending may have a wide range of faiths, or none. It is however, as required by legislation, “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character”.

Religious Education:  Gaining a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices, which covers key religions represented in the UK. Planning for the subject is directed by the Kirklees Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.

Physical Education:  Promotion of the concept of ‘fair play’, following and developing rules, inclusion, celebrating and rewarding success, being gracious in defeat and participation in activities that promote kinship and affiliation with others.

School Council:  Promotion of democratic processes, fostering the concept and application of freedom of speech and group action to address needs and concerns. Key to this is the concept of holding others to account, including those in positions of authority and influence.

Should you feel at any time that the school does not act in accordance with the DfE guidance, or that your child has/is vulnerable to the opinions, viewpoints or suggestions of those in or out of the school, that may be deemed political, social or religious radicalisation, please contact the Headteacher.

For more information about how the school seeks to represent key British Values, contact the school office and a member of the School Leadership Team will be happy to provide further information.