Promotion of British Values

At Hurst Green Infant School and Nursery we recognise not only the importance of allowing children to flourish academically but we also embrace our wider role in preparing them for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum. Part of our role in that preparation is ensuring that we promote and reinforce British values to our pupils. The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and considered them to be democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. The examples that follow are an indication of some of the many ways we seek to embed British values at this school and should be seen as an indication of our approach rather than an exhaustive list.

We are a Values Based Learning Community. Each month the children find out about and explore a particular value. This approach enables the children to learn about the importance of Global Values with a particular reference to the fundamental British Values. This helps to support the children's social, spiritual, emotional and cultural development. Our aim is to ensure that children are prepared for, and have an appreciation of life in modern Britain.

These values are:

Month	Theme
January	Determination
February	Responsibility
March	Honesty
April	Hope
May	Forgiveness
June	Love and Kindness
July	Freedom
September	Trust
October	Respect
November	Caring
December	Peace

Democracy

At Hurst Green Infant School and Nursery the principle of democracy is consistently reinforced, with the democratic process being employed for important decisions within the school community, for instance, elections being held for our School Council representatives. The principle of democracy is explored in PSHE and assemblies.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Children 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. Children help to develop the School Golden Rules and their own classroom rules. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service are planned into our school calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Within Hurst Green Infant School and Nursery children are actively encouraged to make independent choices, knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely, for example through our exploration of E-Safety in Computing and class time activities.

Mutual Respect

Respect is at the core of our school ethos and is modelled by children and staff alike. The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning environments. In line with our commitment to democracy children at Hurst Green Infant School and Nursery are always able to voice their opinions and we foster an environment where children are safe to disagree with each other. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum from the concept of ‘fair play’ in PE to our problem solving and restorative approach throughout the school.

Tolerance of those of different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through equipping children with the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity within the school community. As a school we welcome children and families from all faiths and beliefs. Our Religious Education curriculum, whilst based in Christianity, provides a broad and balanced education on a range of other religions, faiths and cultures. Should you feel that the school is not meeting this requirement, you should contact the school office and request to express your concerns with the Headteacher. Likewise, if you feel that anyone working at the school is undermining these values you should report this to the Headteacher.

For further information visit the HM Goverment Educate Against Hate website