At Dane Ghyll Primary School, we take very seriously our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern Britain. We ensure that the fundamental British Values are introduced, discussed and lived out through the ethos and work of the school. All curriculum areas provide a vehicle for furthering understanding of these concepts and children embrace them with enthusiasm and demonstrate a good understanding of their application to their own lives. The school makes considerable efforts to ensure children have exposure to a wide experience beyond their local community during which these concepts are shown, through for example, sporting events, a range of visits and use of outdoor education centres. Their strong rooted values-based understanding gives them an excellent platform for embracing difference.

Democracy Statement
The children at Dane Ghyll see democracy borne out in a variety of ways and as an essential component of successful team working. The establishment of a new School Council each year models the democratic process as does the selection and voting of the House Captains for sporting events. Children are able to work cooperatively in pairs and groups as well as in whole class situations. They understand about turn taking and respecting the views of others. Children in school and KS2 particularly, are able to use the language of respect.

Rule of Law Statement
The children at Dane Ghyll are familiar with this concept through the philosophy that infuses the entire work of the school. They are familiar with the concept through the discussion of values and, in RE lessons, the idea that different religions have guiding principles. Children are used to debating and discussing laws/rules and their application. Children are familiar with the local police who visit to talk to them informally. There are few “rules” in school and protocols such as walking in school, saying please and thank you and holding doors open for people are seen as what we do instinctively, rather than “rules” to abide by. Children are able to articulate how and why we need to behave in school and demonstrate they understand and can abide by these “protocols.” Children all know that they have rights to be safe, respect and learn and that with those rights come responsibility. They are able to discuss and debate philosophical issues in relation to these.

Individual Liberty Statement
Our Values based work begins with discussion about the self, e.g. self–respect and self-worth in relation to the individual value so that children see that they are important. Children are able to show independence in learning and to think for themselves. They understand about the importance of accepting responsibility and their right to be heard in school. They are consulted on many aspects of school life through the School Council and by their teachers, senior leaders and during attendance at events such as “Afternoon Tea.” Children are strongly encouraged to develop independence in learning and to think for themselves.

Mutual Respect and the Tolerance of those with different Faiths and Beliefs Statement
Respect is a fundamental school value that is discussed in depth, starting with self-respect and covering respect for family, friends, and other groups; the world and its people; and the environment. Enrichment visits take place and children can articulate that respect is a school value and why it is so important, as well as how they show respect to others. Children’s behaviour demonstrates their good understanding of this value in action. Children are able to talk about the different faiths and cultures they learn about, ask questions and show tolerance.

Prevent Agenda
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. Signs of our commitment to this agenda include: teachers, governors and senior leaders undertaking the police’s online training on Channel General Awareness and a major target in the School Improvement Plan is “To ensure the school is fulfilling the Prevent Duty and promoting the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.” 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. Where misconduct by a teacher is proven, the matter will be referred to the National College for Teaching and Leadership for their consideration. Misconduct by other staff will be dealt with under normal school disciplinary procedures.

At Dane Ghyll we encourage pupils to respect the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We ensure that partisan political views are not promoted in the teaching of any subject in the school and where political issues are discussed; reasonably practicable steps are taken to offer a balanced presentation of opposing views to pupils.