The government defined British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, reaffirmed by the Prime Minister in 2014. These values are essential for nurturing children into well-rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of their background.

Key Statements:

• “A key part of our plan for education is to ensure children become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background.”

• “We want every school to promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.”

• “This ensures young people understand the importance of respect and leave school fully prepared for life in modern Britain.”

At St Ann's, we reflect these British values in all aspects of our school life. Our aim is to nurture children on their journey through life, helping them grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible, and tolerant adults who positively impact British society and the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded, and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and others within our school, local community, and beyond.

Our Collective Worship Long Term Plan outlines where Fundamental British Values are taught, and we reinforce these values regularly through our Dojo reward system and various initiatives.

How We Promote Fundamental British Values

1. Democracy

• We have an elected Rights Respecting Parliament (School Council). During Democracy Day, children create manifestos and present them to their class, participating in a ballot to elect their representatives. Badges are awarded by the Mayor of St Helens to signify their roles.

• The origins of democracy are explored through research on Ancient Greece.

• Democracy is integrated into PSHE lessons, collective worship, and real-life contexts throughout the year, emphasising good citizenship.

• We encourage volunteerism and activism, such as local litter picking and fundraising for good causes.

• We celebrate UK Parliament Week and provide opportunities for children to vote on school-related matters, like new playtime equipment.

2. The Rule of Law

• Our Rights Respecting Relationships and Behaviour Policy sets high standards for pupil conduct, underpinned by our three core rules: Courtesy, Care, and Concentration.

• Through collective worship and PSHE, children learn about trust, respect, and morality, understanding right from wrong.

• Local community police officers and other visitors discuss their roles, reinforcing the importance of the rule of law.

• Activities like Bikeability teach children about safety and the law.

3. Individual Liberty

• Our Christian values and PSHE curriculum emphasise personal responsibility, choice, ambition, and aspiration.

• Children are encouraged to explore interests in art, music, and sports through various clubs.

• We teach children how to keep themselves safe, including online safety, through lessons and workshops with organisations like the NSPCC.

• Aspirations Focus Days highlight diverse career choices, linking real-life opportunities to classroom learning.

4. Mutual Respect

• We are a UNICEF Rights Respecting School. Displays throughout the school promote respect for all children's rights. 

• Our Rights Respecting Relationships and Behaviour Policy emphasises mutual respect.

• Through Christian values and PSHE, children learn to cooperate, celebrate differences, and support one another.

• Specific worships focus on understanding protected characteristics and charitable work.

• We celebrate Interfaith Week and World Religion Day, promoting understanding of various faiths.

5. Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

• Our Rights Respecting Relationships and Behaviour Policy promotes tolerance, supported by our Community Engagement and Equality & Diversity policies.

• Tolerance is taught through Religious Education and PSHE, where children learn about different religions, beliefs, places of worship, and festivals.

• Local religious leaders visit the school, and children have opportunities to explore places of worship.

• We make explicit connections to tolerance across subjects, including English and the wider curriculum.