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British Values

Promoting British Values at Harlington Lower School

The DfE continue to reinforce the need "to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on 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." This was set out in the Department for Education's guidance on promoting British values in maintained schools and part 2 of The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 for academies and independent schools. At Harlington Lower School these values are reinforced regularly in the following ways:

Democracy
Each year the pupils decide upon their class charter and the rights associated with these. All pupils contribute to the drawing up and agreement of the charter. We have a school council which meets regularly to discuss issues raised by the pupils. The council has its own budget and is genuinely able to effect change within the school. Every child on the school council is voted in democratically. Pupils have an annual questionnaire where they are able to put forward their views about the school.

The Rule of Law
The importance of law, whether they are those which govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced at Harlington Lower School. Pupils are consistently taught the rules of the school. Pupils are taught that rules and laws govern and protect us. They learn about the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help to reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty
At Harlington Lower School, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through safe surroundings and an enriched education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms. They are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety, Religious Education, Values Education and PSHE lessons.

Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our school values. Pupils learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. As a Values school all members of the community treat each other with respect, understanding and tolerance.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
At Harlington Lower School we actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education, Values and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others. Members of different faiths and religions are invited into school to share their knowledge in order to enhance the pupils’ learning. The pupils visit a variety of places of worship to deepen their understanding.