Wadhurst CE Primary School & Nursery

The DfE have reinforced 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.”

The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been recently reiterated.  At Wadhurst these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced by the school ethos.  At Wadhurst we have rules that set high, clear expectations which are taught to the children through the curriculum and through school assemblies. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from other agencies such as the magistrate, Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.  Children in Year 6 take part in 'Bikeabillity' and through this they learn the law of the road.

Within 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 choices safely, through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and they are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHCE lessons. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Our whole school ethos is built on respect, mutual respect that is at the heart of our school. Children learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

At Wadhurst we celebrate diversity. Assemblies are regularly planned to share a wider understanding and respect for others through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHCE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths. At Wadhurst we would actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.