Promoting British Values and Diversity

At Broomgrove Infant School, British values are promoted in all that we do, including in our whole school assemblies, as  well as in subject areas across the curriculum, such Religious Education (RE) and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education.) These values are universal values which are found in many societies across the world and are promoted through our weekly value assembly.

Being Part of Great Britain and the United Kingdom.

At our school, we value and celebrate being part if the United Kingdom. In general terms, this means we that we celebrate customs and traditions, including: Remembrance, Bonfire Night, attending a Christingle Church service and learning about Patron Saints. We also celebrate national events, such as the King's Coronation. Other aspects about living in Great Britain are covered in the geography and history curriculum.

Democracy

"A culture built upon freedom and equality, where everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities."

Parents and carers, children and staff have many opportunities for their voices to be heard at Broomgrove Infant School. Democracy is central to how we operate.

The election of the School Council members reflects our British electoral system and demonstrates democracy in action; from the speeches, to the consideration the children give each candidate and the final vote for their preferred candidate. Made up of 2 representatives from each year group, School Council meets regularly to discuss issues raised and feedback to their peers.

Other opportunities include 'pupil voice' being gathered by adults across the school.

Rule of Law

"The need for rules to make a happy, safe and secure environment to live and work."

The importance of rules and laws, whether they be those that govern our school or our country, are referred to and reinforced often during assemblies or reflecting on our choices. At the start of the school year, classes discuss and create their class rules that can be understood by all so that all children are able to learn in a safe and caring environment.

Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves  and the consequences when laws are broken. These values are reinforced in different ways including, visitors or through  lessons.

Individual Liberty

"Protection of your rights and the rights of others around you."

We promote freedom of choice and the right to respectfully express views and beliefs.

Through the provision of a safe supportive environment, we provide boundaries for children to make choices safely. 

Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety lessons and children are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

"Understanding that we all don't share the same beliefs and values. Respecting those values, ideas and beliefs of others whilst not imposing our own onto them."

Broomgrove Infant School is in an area which is becoming more culturally diverse due to the school's proximity to the University of Essex and we are proud to promote and celebrate our different backgrounds and beliefs.

Our assemblies are planned to promote diversity either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths, cultures, backgrounds, beliefs and home life. The RE and PSHE teaching reinforces tolerance of different faiths and beliefs  and members of different faiths. religions, backgrounds and beliefs are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. 

Children are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern to each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. This encourages a heightened sense of both personal and social responsibility and is demonstrated on a daily basis by the children.