Mill Lane Primary School & British Values

Click here to View or Download our School & British Values.

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
  • 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
reiterated this year (2014). At Mill Lane, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy
Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. We have a school council which meets regularly to
discuss issues raised in class council meetings. The council has real decision making power and is able to genuinely effect
change within the school. Recently, they lead a move to change school lunches to a four week menu and were
instrumental in gaining the views of pupils regarding meal choices. The council members for each year group are voted
in by their class.

Pupils in year 5 and 6 are elected to act as peer mediators in the playground. This requires them to be fully trained in
the process of Restorative Practice (which is a whole school approach towards behaviour management) and enables
them to resolve conflicts without involving an adult.

Children have an annual questionnaire where they are able 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 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 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. 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 advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and
PSHCE lessons.

Mutual Respect
Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on themselves and
others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Our weekly assembly themes cover the
areas of spiritual, moral, social and cultural education. Circles are used in every class to develop mutual respect and
understanding.

Our approach to resolving conflict is based upon the principles of Restorative Justice whereby pupils are encourage to
develop empathy and respect for all members of the community and develop relationships in a positive way.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Mill Lane is situated in an area which is culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on respecting the
diversity of our children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this value directly through the inclusion of stories
and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. We celebrate many festivals through our topic work and enjoy
celebrating Christmas and Eid in equal measure. 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.

Our RE curriculum ensures that children learn about cultural, moral and social understanding.
At Mill Lane we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British
Values, including ‘extremist’ views.