Promoting British Values

The Department for Education reinforces the expectation that all schools actively 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.

At Warmingham CE Primary School, these values are deeply embedded within our Christian vision and underpin our daily practice. Guided by Jesus’ teachings of love, justice and respect for others, we seek to create a community where every individual is valued, listened to and encouraged to contribute positively to society.

The Government outlined its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, which was further reinforced in 2014. All staff have undertaken PREVENT and Channel training to ensure they remain fully informed and vigilant in safeguarding our children and promoting inclusive, respectful learning environments.

British values are actively and regularly promoted through all aspects of school life. One key way we do this is through Picture News.

Picture News

Each week, Picture News is shared with the children as part of our commitment to developing informed, thoughtful and compassionate learners. These carefully chosen weekly resources help children engage with current affairs in an age‑appropriate way, bringing the wider world into their everyday learning.

Picture News supports our vision by encouraging pupils to:

• Explore and discuss topical issues
• Develop respect for different beliefs, cultures and faiths
• Consider diverse perspectives
• Build confidence in expressing their own views while listening to others

Through discussion, reflection and challenge, children are inspired to think deeply about the world around them and their role within it. This approach not only strengthens understanding of British values but also supports our aim to nurture confident, caring and responsible individuals who are prepared to live well together in a diverse society

Democracy

At Warmingham CE Primary School, democracy is embedded within our Christian vision, where every child is valued, listened to and encouraged to share their views—reflecting our belief that every child is a child of God, created with a voice and purpose.

As part of our commitment to becoming a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, each class creates a Class Charter, with the children collaboratively deciding upon the rights and responsibilities that underpin their learning and relationships. This ensures that all pupils have an active role in shaping the expectations within their classroom.

Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard across school life. Our Ethos Council meets regularly to discuss issues raised in class and plays an active role in influencing positive change within the school community. Council members from each year group are democratically elected by their peers, helping children to understand fairness, choice and representation. Children also share their views through discussions, surveys and questionnaires, ensuring pupil voice is both valued and acted upon.

The Rule of Law

The importance of rules and laws—whether governing the classroom, the school or the wider society—is reinforced through everyday school life, behaviour expectations and collective worship.

Children are taught the reasons behind laws and rules, learning that they exist to protect people, promote fairness and help everyone live well together. Through our Christian values of justice, honesty and responsibility, children develop an understanding of personal responsibility and the consequences of actions when rules are not followed.

Visits from external services, such as the Police and Fire Service, further strengthen children’s understanding of the rule of law and the role of authorities in keeping communities safe.

Individual Liberty

Within a safe, supportive and nurturing environment, children at Warmingham CE Primary School are encouraged to make choices and develop independence. Our Christian vision promotes wisdom, responsibility and respect for self and others, supporting children to understand both their freedoms and the boundaries that keep them safe.

Children learn about their rights and personal freedoms and are supported to exercise these safely, particularly through Online Safety education and RSHE lessons. Across school life, pupils are offered choices in how they learn, how they record their work and through participation in a wide range of extra‑curricular clubs and opportunities, helping them grow in confidence and independence.

Mutual Respect

As a Church of England and Rights Respecting School, mutual respect sits at the heart of our values. Guided by the teachings of Jesus, children learn the importance of kindness, fairness and respect in their relationships with others.

Pupils are taught that their behaviour affects both their own rights and the rights of others. This understanding supports positive relationships throughout the school, ensuring that all members of the community—children, staff and families—feel respected, valued and cared for.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Warmingham CE Primary School is situated in an area with limited cultural diversity; therefore, we place a strong emphasis on promoting understanding, respect and tolerance of different faiths, cultures and beliefs.

Collective worship is carefully planned to explore these themes either directly or through stories, celebrations and teachings from a range of cultures and faith traditions. This learning is reinforced through Religious Education and RSHE, supporting children to develop curiosity, empathy and respect for others.

Visitors from different faiths are welcomed into school to share their knowledge and experiences, and children are given opportunities to visit places of worship that are significant to different religions. In line with our safeguarding responsibilities, we actively challenge any views expressed by children, staff or parents that are contrary to Fundamental British Values, including extremist views.

Safeguarding Against Radicalisation and Extremism

Warmingham CE Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils. We recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation and extremism is an integral part of our safeguarding duty and is no different from protecting children from any other vulnerability.

All children, staff, governors and visitors are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

In developing our Safeguarding Policy, governors have taken account of guidance from the Department for Education, ensuring that appropriate preventative measures are in place to minimise the risk of extremism and to support children in becoming safe, informed and responsible members of society.