At Cherry Burton Primary School, we are committed to preparing our children to become responsible, respectful and active citizens. British Values are an important part of this commitment and are embedded throughout our curriculum, school ethos and daily life.

The Department for Education states that all schools should actively promote the fundamental British Values of:

• Democracy
• The Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

As a Church School, these values complement our Christian vision and our school values of Compassion, Trust, Friendship, Thankfulness, Perseverance and Forgiveness. Together, they help our children develop into thoughtful, caring and responsible members of society.

Democracy

Democracy is about ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and that people have the opportunity to contribute to decisions that affect them.

At Cherry Burton Primary School, children experience democracy first-hand through our Pupil Parliament, which is elected by the children and represents the views of pupils across the school. Members meet regularly to discuss school improvement, gather pupil voice and make meaningful contributions to school life. Recent projects have included conducting pupil surveys, applying for grants to support projects within the local community and bidding for improvements to the school environment, including outdoor seating and picnic benches.

Children also participate in democratic elections each September. Candidates for House Captain, Sports Captain, Eco Council and Pupil Parliament positions prepare and deliver manifestos before taking part in a formal voting process. Through these experiences, children gain an understanding of how democratic systems operate and learn that their views can influence positive change.

The Eco Council provides further opportunities for children to have a voice in environmental matters. Representatives meet regularly and lead initiatives such as collecting plastic bottle tops for recycling schemes and promoting sustainability across the school. Through pupil voice activities, surveys, class discussions and leadership groups, children learn that their opinions are valued and that they can make a meaningful contribution to both school life and the wider community.

The Rule of Law

The Rule of Law helps children understand the importance of rules, responsibilities and consequences. We teach children that rules exist to keep everyone safe, happy and able to learn.

Through our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme, children play an active role in creating and understanding the rules that make play enjoyable and safe. Working alongside Play Leaders and Pupil Parliament representatives, children have helped to develop a Play Charter and create agreements for different areas of the playground, such as den-building spaces and loose-parts play areas. This helps children understand the importance of fairness, responsibility and cooperation.

School rules and expectations are consistently applied throughout the school, helping children understand the importance of respect, responsibility and making positive choices. Through our Jigsaw PSHE curriculum, children create class charters and learn about rights, responsibilities, fairness and citizenship.

Forest School provides practical opportunities for children to understand why rules matter. Pupils learn how to assess and manage risks, use tools safely, follow fire safety procedures and respect both the natural environment and one another. Children also learn about online safety and digital responsibility, helping them understand that laws and expectations apply both in school and in the wider world.

Individual Liberty

Individual Liberty is about encouraging children to make choices, express themselves and develop confidence while understanding their responsibilities towards others.

At Cherry Burton Primary School, we provide a safe and supportive environment where children are encouraged to develop independence and self-belief. Through OPAL play and Forest School, children have the freedom to make choices, explore their interests, solve problems and develop creativity. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their decisions while learning to respect the choices of others.

Pupil voice is highly valued throughout the school and children are regularly given opportunities to share their views, ideas and suggestions. Prayer Space provides a safe environment for reflection and questioning, where children are encouraged to explore life's big questions and express their thoughts and beliefs respectfully.

Through our Jigsaw PSHE curriculum, children learn how to make informed choices, stay safe, manage risks, develop healthy relationships and build resilience. Our inclusive school culture ensures that every child feels valued and supported to be themselves.

Children are also encouraged to express themselves creatively through music, art, drama, writing and performance. Our music curriculum introduces pupils to a diverse range of musical genres, cultures and traditions from around the world, helping them develop their own preferences while appreciating the creativity of others.

Mutual Respect

Respect lies at the heart of our school community and underpins all aspects of school life.

Our Christian values of Compassion, Trust, Friendship, Thankfulness, Perseverance and Forgiveness help children understand the importance of treating others with kindness, fairness and consideration. Children learn that everyone deserves to be valued and respected, regardless of differences in background, beliefs or opinions.

Mutual respect is promoted through positive relationships between pupils, staff, parents and the wider community. Children work collaboratively in lessons, clubs, sports and wider school activities, learning how to listen to others, value different viewpoints and resolve disagreements respectfully.

Through pupil leadership opportunities, collaborative learning, restorative conversations and daily interactions, children develop an understanding that respect is essential for creating a happy, safe and successful school community.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We actively promote understanding, acceptance and appreciation of the diverse society in which we live.

Through our Religious Education curriculum, children learn about a range of world faiths and worldviews. They develop knowledge and understanding of different beliefs, traditions and practices while learning to appreciate both similarities and differences between communities.

As a Church School, collective worship, Prayer Space activities and regular visits to church provide opportunities for spiritual development, reflection and discussion. Children are encouraged to explore their own beliefs while showing respect for the beliefs of others.

We regularly welcome visitors from different faith communities into school to share their experiences and beliefs. These opportunities help children gain first-hand understanding of different religions and cultures. Recent interfaith workshops have included contributions from Reverend Richard alongside representatives from Buddhist and Sikh faith communities.

Our Jigsaw PSHE curriculum further supports children in understanding diversity, equality and inclusion. Children learn that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of faith, culture, race, background or beliefs. The work of our Mental Health Support Team also helps children develop empathy, understanding and appreciation of the experiences of others.

By promoting Democracy, The Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs throughout daily school life, we help our children become confident, compassionate and responsible citizens who are well prepared for life in modern Britain.