British Values

The Edge Schools' Federation

British Values Policy Statement

Introduction

Promoting British values is an integral part of our school culture, in order to ensure that the children leave our care prepared for life in modern Britain.

The DFE guidance (Nov 2014) which states that “All have a duty to ‘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.” was originally set out in the Government’s “Prevent” strategy in 2011.

At the Edge Schools’ Federation we do more than just teach these values – we embed them in our day-to-day. Through our policies and procedures, what and how we teach, and our curriculum enrichment activities, we create a culture that ensures our children grow into respectful, tolerant and thoughtful individuals.

Explore below to find out about some of the ways we communicate and implement these values in practice.

Democracy
Pupils participate in the democratic process by electing members to the School Council. This provides them with a voice in shaping the direction of the school and helps them understand how their opinions can influence change.

We actively encourage and support pupils to share their opinions in class-based discussions, and to understand that all opinions are valid. We believe that every child should feel confident in expressing their thoughts, whether in group activities or one-on-one conversations with teachers. This helps them develop a sense of responsibility for their own ideas and respect for the views of others.

Our pupils are encouraged to take responsibility, making decisions that affect not just themselves but their peers too. Each term a group of pupils select the school dinner menu. By considering various options and voting for their preferences, they learn about making choices, compromises, and the importance of community involvement.

The Rule of Law
We ensure that all pupils understand the importance of rules and laws both within school and society at large. We teach our pupils that laws exist to protect everyone and ensure fairness and justice in society.

Our clear behaviour policy helps pupils understand the importance of rules both in school and in the wider world. Pupils learn that rules are in place to ensure safety and equality, and that there are consequences for not following them. This helps children understand the value of responsibility and accountability.

We also invite local police officers and legal professionals to speak to pupils about the role of the law in society. These visits provide real-world connections to how laws are applied and maintained.

Through class discussions and PSHE lessons, pupils are encouraged to explore the role of laws and their impact on daily life. By fostering this understanding, we help our pupils grow into responsible citizens who value fairness, respect, and justice in their communities.

Individual Liberty
We promote individual liberty by empowering our pupils to make choices and take responsibility for their actions in a safe, supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to make decisions in their learning by choosing from a variety of activities and topics that interest them, both in class and through extracurricular opportunities. Whether selecting books to read, topics to explore, or how they wish to approach their work, children are supported in developing their own interests and talents. Making the incorrect choice is not seen as a failure but as an opportunity to learn and practice forgiveness both of oneself and of others.

As part of our commitment to individual liberty, pupils take on roles that allow them to influence school life, such as contributing to class decisions, selecting the termly school dinner menu and shaping the design of our playground. This helps them understand the balance between freedom of choice and the responsibilities that come with it, fostering a strong sense of independence and respect for others’ rights.

We also emphasise the importance of personal responsibility, especially when it comes to online safety. Pupils are taught how to make informed choices online and how to use technology in a responsible and respectful way.

Mutual Respect
Respect is at the heart of our school community. We believe that showing respect for others is essential in creating a positive and inclusive school environment where everyone feels valued and differences are celebrated.

Respect is modelled by staff and encouraged in all interactions, both between adults and children, and among the pupils themselves. We foster a culture where children understand that everyone, regardless of their background, abilities, or beliefs, deserves kindness and consideration. We support children to express themselves appropriately, listen to others, and to resolve conflicts peacefully.

In class discussions and group work, children are encouraged to collaborate, share ideas, and celebrate each other’s strengths even if they are different to their own. By working together, our children learn not only academic skills but also valuable social skills that will help them throughout their life.

Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Our Religious Education (RE) curriculum explores not only Christianity but also a wide range of world religions, including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and others. As part of our commitment to fostering tolerance, we invite representatives from different faith communities to visit the school and share their experiences and teachings. These visits offer pupils the opportunity to engage directly with individuals from diverse religious backgrounds, providing them with a deeper understanding of different perspectives and encouraging open-mindedness.

We also celebrate cultural and religious festivals throughout the year, such as Christmas, Eid, Diwali, and Hanukkah. These events allow pupils to experience and appreciate the traditions and customs of others, helping them develop a sense of unity in diversity.