British Values and Equality

The Government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year. The DfE has recently reinforced the need 'to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values.' These are:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual respect
  • Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

As a Church of England primary school, our ethos is based on the values of respect, humility and trust. Our mission statement is "Trust ourselves, trust one another, trust God."

Raughton Head CE Primary School – providing an environment that enables each child to grow to their full potential. As a church school, we aim to achieve this by nurturing the Christian values of Respect, Humility and Trust.

"Treat others as you would wish them to treat you"

We are committed to serving all within our community and local area. In so doing, we reinforce British values regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Democratic values are an explicit part of the ethos at Raughton Head CE School. All adults listen to the views of the pupils and value their opinions. Pupils are taught to listen to and respect the views of others. Pupils have further opportunity to have their voices heard through our School, Sports and Fair trade Councils and pupil questionnaires. Parents also have the opportunity to express their views through questionnaires, representatives on the governing body and our open door policy.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws and rules are consistently reinforced in the classroom, as well as through school Collective Worship. Pupils are taught to understand the need for laws/rules and that they are there for individual protection as well as the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when law/rules are broken. Pupils follow a positive behaviour policy and clearly understand the rewards and sanctions that are used. Collective Worship, circle time and discussions in class focus on recognising right from wrong. For more information please see our Behaviour Policy available on the school website.

Individual Liberty

Pupils are encouraged to be independent learners, constantly making choices, within a safe and supportive environment. Developing their self -esteem and self-confidence is very important. Pupils are encouraged to understand their personal freedoms and are taught how to use these rights to best effect. All pupils are keen to support charities, whether local, national or global. They are taught consideration for others through our Religious Education curriculum and PSHE lessons in particular. E-safety teaching enables them to make choices in a safe manner.

Mutual Respect

Our school’s ethos and behaviour policy are based on our Christian values. Our mission statement reinforces this as we strive for our school to be a place where everyone is equally respected and valued. Collective Worship consistently promotes respect for others, acting with kindness as well as the importance of good manners. All pupils are taught the importance of self-respect, honest and open communication with others and fair play. Pupils work collaboratively and value others’ opinions.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

As a Church of England community, pupils are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education curriculum and the spiritual life of the school. Collective Worship and class work promote the diversity of society and the right for each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.

Equality

Our school is inclusive; we focus on the well-being and progress of every child and we are committed to ensuring all members of our community are of equal worth.

We believe that the Equality Act provides a framework to support our commitment to valuing diversity, tackling discrimination, promoting equality and fostering good relationships between people. It also ensures that we continue to tackle issues of disadvantage and underachievement of different groups.

We recognise that these duties reflect international human rights standards as expressed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and the Human Rights Act 1998.

The Public Sector Equality Duty or “general duty”

This requires all public organisations, including schools to:

·         eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation;

·         advance equality of opportunity between different groups;

·         foster good relations between different groups

We expect all members of the school community and visitors to support our commitment to promoting equalities and meeting the requirements of the Equality Act. We will provide training, guidance and information to enable them to do this.

What are we doing to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation?

·         We take account of equality issues in relation to admissions and exclusions; the way we provide education for our pupils and the way we provide access for pupils to facilities and services.

·         We are aware of the Reasonable Adjustment duty for disabled pupils – designed to enhance access and participation to the level of non-disabled pupils and stop disabled children being placed at a disadvantage compared to their non-disabled peers.

·         The Head of School ensures that all appointment panels give due regard to this policy so that no one is discriminated against when it comes to employment, promotion or training opportunities.

·         We actively promote equality and diversity though the curriculum and by creating an environment which champions respect for all.

·         Our admissions arrangements are fair and transparent, and we do not discriminate against pupils by treating them less favourably on the grounds of their sex, race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity

·         We challenge all forms of prejudice and prejudice based bullying.

What are we doing to advance equality of opportunity between different groups?

·         We know the needs of our school population very well and collect and analyse data in order to inform our planning and identify targets to achieve improvements. We take action to close any gaps, for example, for those making slow progress in acquiring age-appropriate literacy and number skills. We also ensure children from all groups are challenged to reach higher levels.

·         We have procedures, working in partnership with parents and carers, to identify children who have a disability through our pupil admissions meetings and home visits

·         We also collect, analyse and use data in relation to attendance and exclusions of different groups.

·         We use a range of teaching strategies that ensures we meet the needs of all pupils 

·         We are alert and proactive about the potentially damaging impact of negative language in matters such as race, gender, disability and sexuality. 

·         We ensure equality of access for all pupils to a broad and balanced curriculum, removing barriers to participation where necessary. 

·         We are also implementing an Accessibility Plan

What are we doing to foster good relations?

·         We prepare our pupils for life in a diverse society and ensure that there are activities across the curriculum that promotes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils.

·         We teach about difference and diversity and the impact of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination through PSHE and citizenship and across the curriculum.

·         We use materials and resources that reflect the diversity of the school, population and local community in terms of race, gender, sexual identity and disability, avoiding stereotyping. We include the contribution of different cultures to world history and that promote positive images of people.

·         We promote a whole school ethos and values that challenge prejudice based discriminatory language, attitudes and behaviour.

·         We provide opportunities for pupils to appreciate their own culture and celebrate the diversity of other cultures.

·         We provide opportunities for pupils to listen to a range of opinions and empathise with different experiences

·         We promote positive messages about equality and diversity through displays, assemblies, visitors, whole school events e.g. cultural week, city residentials, Picture News

Please refer to the equality policy for full details of our approach to promoting equality.

Our Equalities Objectives 2023-27

To improve provision for pupils for whom English is an additional language
To narrow the gap in attainment of all disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND
To improve understanding of different cultures and societies
To reduce prejudice and increase understanding of equality through direct teaching across the curriculum that supports and promotes the positive advancement of all protected characteristics