British Values at Eastling Primary School

At Eastling Primary School, we are committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive and respectful learning environment in which every child is valued, supported and encouraged to flourish. We believe that education extends beyond academic achievement and that preparing children for life in modern Britain is an essential part of their personal development.

The Fundamental British Values are:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and those without faith

• These values are embedded throughout our school ethos, curriculum and wider school life. They are closely linked to our six school values of excellence, kindness, honesty, respect, collaboration and perseverance, which guide how we learn, behave and treat one another.

  Through our teaching, assemblies, pupil leadership opportunities, play provision and everyday interactions, we help children understand not only what British Values mean, but how they can demonstrate them through their own choices and actions.

  British Values within our Curriculum

  British Values are promoted through our whole-school approach to Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development and are woven throughout the curriculum.

  From September 2026, our 1decision PSHE and Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum provides a structured and progressive approach to developing children's understanding of their rights, responsibilities, relationships, personal safety and place within society.

  The 1decision programme incorporates British Values across its learning modules, including Keeping and Staying Safe, Being Responsible, Relationships and Growing and Changing, Feelings and Emotions, Computer Safety, Our World and A World Without Judgement.

  Through interactive scenarios, discussions and decision-making activities, children are encouraged to consider different viewpoints, understand the consequences of their choices, recognise fairness and respect the rights of others. In particular, the A World Without Judgement module explores inclusion, acceptance, breaking down barriers and British Values, supporting children to understand equality, diversity and the importance of treating everyone with dignity.

  Our use of Picture News further strengthens this learning by providing opportunities for children to explore current events and issues affecting the wider world. Through age-appropriate discussions, pupils learn to express their opinions, listen respectfully to others, consider different perspectives and develop an understanding of democracy, citizenship, fairness and social responsibility.

  Together, our curriculum, school values and wider provision ensure that British Values are not taught in isolation but are understood, revisited and demonstrated throughout school life.

  Democracy

  At Eastling, we believe that every child has a voice and that their opinions and contributions matter. We encourage pupils to understand that democracy involves listening to others, considering different viewpoints and making collective decisions fairly.

  We promote democracy through:

• Our School Council, where children nominate and vote for representatives who share their views and contribute to school improvement.
• Pupil voice activities, questionnaires and discussions, allowing children to influence aspects of school life and learning.
• Class discussions and opportunities for children to contribute to shared expectations and decisions.
• Our 1decision curriculum, where children explore scenarios, consider alternative choices and vote on decisions made by characters.
• Picture News discussions, which encourage children to debate topical issues, justify their opinions and respect differing viewpoints.
• Collaborative learning and talk partners, enabling children to listen, respond and reach shared conclusions.
• Opportunities to contribute ideas through OPAL play development, including pupil involvement in discussions about improving play opportunities.

• Our school values of collaboration, respect and honesty are particularly important in helping children understand the democratic process. We teach children that their voice matters, but that they also have a responsibility to listen to and respect the voices of others.

  The Rule of Law

  We recognise the importance of helping children understand why rules and laws exist, how they protect individuals and communities, and why everyone has a responsibility to follow them.

  At Eastling, we promote the Rule of Law through:

• Clear expectations for behaviour, relationships and conduct, which help children understand the importance of fairness, safety and responsibility.
• Our school values, particularly honesty, respect and kindness, which encourage children to consider how their actions affect others.
• The 1decision curriculum, including learning about road safety, personal safety, responsible behaviour, stealing, online safety and the consequences of different choices.
• Teaching children how to recognise unsafe situations, understand boundaries and seek help from trusted adults.
• OPAL play, where children learn to follow agreed safety expectations, assess appropriate risks and understand the importance of keeping themselves and others safe.
• Online safety education, helping children understand responsible digital behaviour and the importance of rules that protect people online.
• Assemblies and learning opportunities focused on personal safety, road safety, fire safety and community responsibility.
• Visits and engagement with people who help us, including emergency services and other community representatives where appropriate.

• We help children understand the difference between right and wrong, recognise the consequences of their actions and develop the self-regulation needed to make responsible decisions.

  Individual Liberty

  At Eastling, we encourage children to develop confidence, independence and a positive sense of identity. We believe every child should feel safe to express their views, explore their interests and make informed choices within an environment that promotes responsibility and respect.

  We promote Individual Liberty through:

• Encouraging children to express their thoughts, feelings, beliefs and opinions in a safe and supportive environment.
• Our 1decision curriculum, which supports children in understanding personal boundaries, managing emotions, resisting peer pressure and making safe, informed choices.
• Providing opportunities for independence, responsibility and decision-making throughout the school day.
• Our OPAL play provision, which offers children freedom to choose how and where they play, explore their interests, assess risks and develop confidence and resilience.
• Encouraging children to participate in extracurricular activities, sporting opportunities and wider school experiences.
• Supporting children to recognise their individual strengths, celebrate their achievements and develop self-belief.
• Teaching children about their rights and responsibilities, including how to stay safe online and offline.
• Ensuring children know who they can speak to if they are worried, unsafe or need support.

• Our values of excellence and perseverance encourage children to challenge themselves, develop independence and recognise that effort, resilience and responsible choices help them achieve their potential.

  Mutual Respect

  Respect is one of our core school values and underpins the relationships and interactions within our school community. We teach children that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity and consideration, regardless of their background, beliefs, abilities or differences.

  We promote Mutual Respect through:

• Our school values of respect, kindness, honesty and collaboration, which are modelled and reinforced throughout school life.
• Our 1decision curriculum, particularly learning about friendships, bullying, relationships, inclusion, acceptance and recognising the feelings of others.
• Picture News, where children practise listening to different opinions and discussing sensitive or challenging issues respectfully.
• Collaborative learning, talk partners and group activities, where children learn to cooperate, compromise and value others' contributions.
• Whole-school assemblies and class activities which explore respect, empathy, kindness and positive relationships.
• Our OPAL provision, which encourages children of different ages and friendship groups to play together, negotiate, cooperate and resolve disagreements.
• Opportunities to celebrate individual achievements, recognise the contributions of others and support one another.
• An inclusive approach to teaching and learning which recognises and supports the differing needs of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

• We encourage children to understand that respect is demonstrated through everyday actions, including how we speak to others, listen, share, help and respond when disagreements arise.

  Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

  At Eastling, we recognise the importance of preparing children to live respectfully within a diverse society. We encourage pupils to develop an understanding of different religions, cultures, traditions, beliefs and ways of life, including those of people who do not follow a religion.

  We promote tolerance and understanding through:

• Our Religious Education curriculum, where children learn about different religions, beliefs, traditions and worldviews.
• Opportunities to explore religious celebrations, festivals and cultural traditions throughout the year.
• Our 1decision curriculum, particularly A World Without Judgement, which develops children's understanding of diversity, equality, inclusion and acceptance.
• Teaching children about the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010 and the importance of challenging discrimination and prejudice.
• Picture News discussions, which introduce children to different communities, experiences and perspectives from across Britain and the wider world.
• English, history, geography, art and music, where children explore literature, people, events, traditions and creative works from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Encouraging respectful discussion and curiosity about similarities and differences between people.
• Promoting an inclusive school environment in which children and families from all backgrounds are welcomed, valued and respected.

• We teach children that people may hold different beliefs and opinions, and that these differences should be approached with understanding, curiosity and respect. We also help children understand that everyone has equal dignity and that discrimination, bullying and prejudice are unacceptable.

  British Values Beyond the Classroom

  At Eastling, British Values are an important part of children's everyday experiences and are reinforced through our wider school provision.

  Our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme provides meaningful opportunities for children to demonstrate independence, cooperation, responsibility, fairness and respect. Through freely chosen play, children learn to negotiate, solve problems, manage appropriate risks, develop friendships and consider the needs of others.

  Our commitment to oracy and pupil voice ensures that children have regular opportunities to express themselves, explain their thinking, listen actively and engage in respectful discussion. These communication skills are fundamental to developing confident individuals who can participate positively in a democratic society.

  Through assemblies, Picture News, School Council, enrichment activities, sporting events, community involvement and opportunities for leadership, pupils are encouraged to understand their responsibilities, contribute to their school community and recognise the positive difference they can make.

  Our Commitment

  Our aim is for every child leaving Eastling Primary School to understand the importance of democracy, the Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

  More importantly, we want children to demonstrate these values through their everyday actions, relationships and choices.

  By combining our six school values with a carefully planned curriculum, meaningful pupil participation and a strong commitment to inclusion and personal development, we seek to nurture children who are confident, compassionate, responsible and respectful, ready to make a positive contribution to life in modern Britain.