The DFE asks schools to ‘to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation for all
schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’
At Cherry Tree Primary School we are dedicated to promoting values which ensure our pupils develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility which will prepare them for life in modern Britain.
Democracy
The school values pupil voice and we ask the pupils about their learning, their concerns and for their ideas about how we can make things better for them. We do this using a pupil questionnaire in the Summer Term and our Subject Leaders speak with groups of pupils as part of our self evaluation schedule. At the start of each term pupils vote two members of their class on to the School Council (Years 2 – 6). The School Council meets weekly and through their class representatives pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard. The School Council also has a budget which they choose how to spend.
The Rule of Law
The school has a structured and fair Behaviour Policy. The children understand the school rules and what happens if these rules are broken. We also have a Home School Agreement where we work closely with parents to ensure school rules are adhered to. At the start of each year classes discuss class rules and agree to abide by them. During PSHE lessons and assemblies children learn about the importance of having rules and how these relate to laws. They also discuss why there needs to be consequences for those who break the rules or laws. By being immersed in the ethos of the school, and through direct teaching within PSHE lessons and assemblies, our pupils learn about their responsibility to be law-abiding citizens. Visits from the Police, Fire Service, and a Magistrate are regular parts of our calendar and help to reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Throughout the school, within the safe and supportive school environment, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices and to respect the choices of others. Our Behaviour Policy is built on the principle that children are responsible for their own actions and choices and that these have consequences. The school sanctions system provides reflection time when pupils are able to think about the impact of their choices. During PSHE, eSafety lessons and Assemblies pupils are taught how to keep themselves safe whilst they exercise their rights and personal freedoms. Safeguarding is embedded in every aspect of life at the school.
Mutual Respect
Our ethos at Cherry Tree is based on mutual respect. Adults actively model respect with one another, and with the children, in how we speak and treat one another. One of our school rules is that pupils ‘Respect everybody in and out of school’. PSHE and assemblies focus on respect to help pupils understand what this means and how it is shown in everyday life.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Our school is a diverse community and is made up of many different cultures and faiths. Our pupils naturally show tolerance for others and have a curiosity to find out and understand cultures and faiths that are different from their own. All staff model a tolerant and accepting attitude. We use assemblies to raise and discuss issues of bullying and prejudice and reinforce learning during curriculum time. Our EAL pupils make good progress at our school, their home languages are acknowledged and all pupils are well-supported. At Cherry Tree we will actively challenge pupils, parents or staff who express opinions contrary to fundamental British Values including extremist views.