Promoting British Values

At Over Primary, we recognise the importance of promoting the British Values so that everyone thrives in a safe and respectful environment.

The British Values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard through a range of pupil leadership opportunities, including House Captains, the School Council and the Eco Council.

Children also take part in an annual questionnaire where they are encouraged to put forward their views about the school.

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. Pupils are taught the reasons behind laws linked to our rights, and that laws govern and protect us. This includes developing children’s understanding of the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws (or rules in school) are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our online safety and PSHE lessons, and through the choice to attend extra-curricular activities and lunchtime clubs.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values and school rules. Children learn that their behaviour can impact their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHE teaching reinforce this as well as our reading curriculum. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.

At Over Primary, we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

Rights Respecting Schools (RRS)

Becoming a Unicef UK Rights Respecting School

It is an exciting time at Over Primary as together with the other schools in our cluster, we embark on a journey to become a Rights Respecting School (RRS). Becoming a RRS will benefit the whole school community from pupils and staff to parents and governors. Here’s what we think you might like to know about the award:

You might ask…	As a school staff, we think that…
What is a Unicef UK Rights Respecting School?	When schools get involved, the children learn about their rights by putting them into practice every day. Children and adults will learn about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which outlines what children need to survive and thrive, becoming the best they can be and achieving their potential.
Why is this happening?	A Unicef UK Rights Respecting School models rights and respect in all its relationships, whether between adults and pupils, between pupils or between adults. It is proven to benefit everyone in the school community to grow and learn together. Read more about the Award at www.unicef.org.uk/rrsa
How will becoming a Rights Respecting School benefit my child(ren)?	This approach works in many schools across the country to improve well-being and develop every child’s talents and abilities to their full potential. Headteachers from schools involved in the Award say it has improved children’s and young people’s respect for themselves and others and contributed to children and young people being more engaged in their learning.
How can I get involved?	We hope you will support the school’s journey to becoming a Unicef UK Rights Respecting School. Please do read about the Convention and Unicef’s work (see below) to see what it’s all about.
What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child?	In 1989, governments worldwide promised all children the same rights by adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention recognised that all children have the right to be treated with dignity and fairness, to be protected, to develop to their full potential and to participate. The rights in the Convention describe what a child needs to survive, grow, and live up to their potential in the world. They apply equally to every child, no matter who they are or where they come from. The Convention changed the way children are viewed and treated – in other words, as human beings with a distinct set of rights instead of as passive objects of care and charity. It is the most widely ratified human rights treaty – only the United States has not ratified it. The UK signed up to it in 1991. A summary of the Convention (pocket book of rights) is available below.
What is Unicef?	Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children and young people, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything they do. Together with their partners, Unicef works in 190 countries to translate that commitment into practical action. Unicef UK is a registered charity. It raises funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and campaigns to keep children safe. Unicef UK also works with schools, hospitals and local authorities in the UK to put children at the heart of what they do. To find out more about Unicef, go to www.unicef.org.uk