At Ashbourne Primary School, we actively promote the fundamental British values of:

• Democracy

• The Rule of Law

• Individual Liberty

• Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

These values are an essential part of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development and help prepare children for life in modern Britain. Promoting British values supports our commitment to ensuring children:

• Feel safe, valued and heard

• Understand their rights and responsibilities

• Learn to respect others, regardless of background or belief

Democracy

We promote democracy by ensuring pupils have a voice and understand how decisions are made.

In school, democracy is taught and experienced through:

• A democratically elected School Council

• Pupil voting on school initiatives

• Opportunities to share opinions in class discussions

• Circle time, assemblies and PSHE lessons

Children learn that:

• Everyone’s voice matters

• Decisions can be made fairly

• Different views can be listened to respectfully

The Rule of Law

We help children understand the importance of rules and laws in keeping people safe and ensuring fairness.

Pupils learn about the rule of law through:

• Clear school behaviour expectations

• Class rules agreed together

• Understanding rewards and consequences

• Visits from external professionals such as the police or emergency services

• Learning about laws and rules in society through the curriculum

Children are supported to understand:

• Why rules exist

• How rules protect individuals and communities

• The difference between right and wrong

Individual Liberty

At Ashbounre Primary, we encourage pupils to make safe choices and express themselves confidently and respectfully.

Individual liberty is promoted by:

• Supporting pupils to develop self-confidence and independence

• Encouraging children to share ideas and opinions

• Teaching children about personal responsibility

• Helping pupils understand how to stay safe, including online safety

• Promoting wellbeing and emotional literacy

Children are taught that:

• They have rights and freedoms

• These freedoms come with responsibilities

• It is important to respect boundaries and safety

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

We actively promote respect as one of PRAISE aims we also promote tolerance of different faiths, beliefs, cultures and lifestyles.

This is taught through:

• PSHE and RE lessons

• Assemblies celebrating diversity and inclusion

• Learning about different religions, cultures and traditions

• Promoting equality and challenging stereotypes

• Modelling respectful behaviour throughout school life

Children learn to:

• Treat others with kindness and respect

• Understand and celebrate differences

• Challenge prejudice and unkind behaviour appropriately

British Values Across the Curriculum

British values are embedded across school life, not taught in isolation.

They are promoted through:

• PSHE and RSE

• Religious Education

• Foundation Subjects such as History and Geography

• Whole School Assemblies

• School Council and Pupil Leadership Roles

• Everyday interactions and expectations

This ensures pupils experience British values in meaningful, real-life contexts.

Policies and Further Information

British values are supported by our wider school policies, including:

• British Values Policy

• Behaviour Policy

• Anti-Bullying Policy

• PSHE Policy

• Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

These policies are available on our Policies page and are reviewed regularly.

Our Commitment

At Ashbourne Primary School, promoting British values helps us to:

• Create a safe and inclusive environment

• Support pupils’ personal development

• Prepare children for life in modern Britain

• Foster respectful, confident and responsible citizens

This work is central to our school ethos and daily practice.