Robert Miles Junior School is committed to serving its community and surrounding areas. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi-faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those it serves. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

The school accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. It follows the policies outlined by its governing body regarding equal opportunities, which guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It seeks to serve all.

Robert Miles Junior School has its own core values (REACH) which have been deeply embedded in the school for many years. We feel that promoting these values also serves to promote the values identified as fundamental British values.

The Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that these key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values as:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect & tolerance

Examples of how we promote these values and how they relate to our school core values are as follows:

Democracy

Core REACH value that underpins this: Responsibility

Democracy is ever present within Robert Miles Junior School. Children are involved in democratic processes and have their voices heard through our School Council and the Pupil Survey. The School Council run assemblies and share its actions to all groups in our school community including peers, staff and parents/carers.

The school is a member of the Rushcliffe Learning Alliance Pupil Parliament (RLAPP) and two pupils represent our school at the termly meetings of the RLAPP, which is held in the Council Chambers at County Hall. These meetings have included question and answer sessions with people who have influence on children’s lives, for example members of the Council, local MPs, headteachers and local policymakers. Robert Jenrick MP, our local MP, has recently visited the school and met with the Prefects.

Through RE and the wider the curriculum, pupils discuss and debate fundamental questions about life. Our children are taught to consider and value different perspectives for the well being of others.

 

The Rule of Law

Core REACH value that underpins this: Honesty

Our school underpins all learning with the fundamental value of knowing right from wrong. There is an emphasis on preparing children for life in modern Britain and developing an understanding and a respect for the laws of the land. These can include class rules, school rules or the laws of this country. These are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and also through school assemblies.

We have a clearly structured Behaviour Policy which all stakeholders understand and follow. We regularly review behaviour incidents in school and share these with key stakeholders.

When children make inappropriate behaviour choices they are asked to reflect on their behaviour, consider its impact on others and to think about what they would do in the same situation in future.

Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, how they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules and laws are broken.

 

Individual Liberty

Core REACH value that underpins this: Achievement

As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through provision of a safe and supportive environment. Children are encouraged to take risks and develop the confidence to ‘have a go’ and so increase the chances of experiencing success. Our pupils thrive on challenge, and there is high participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and curriculum enrichment opportunities. All pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

 

Mutual Respect

Core REACH value that underpins this: Consideration.

Through assemblies and class work, we believe that children here at Robert Miles Juniors have an excellent understanding about what respect means and how it is shown. These ideas are reiterated through the curriculum, the school and classroom rules, as well as our behaviour policy. The Equals Trust Diversity work also supports children in developing their understanding in different areas. This work feeds through to assemblies so there is whole school impact.

Additional support is provided for individual pupils where needed through our SENCO and other adults who can offer support and guidance to pupils who find it difficult to show tolerance towards others. This support helps to develop self-esteem and to practise strategies pupils can employ to help improve their respect of others.

 

Understanding of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Core REACH value that underpins this: Equality

This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society, and by giving them experiences to learn about diversity, understanding and respect. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice based bullying have been reinforced and supported by learning in RE. Our R.E curriculum (Nottinghamshire Agreed Syllabus) provides a broad and balanced education on a range of religions and world views. We encourage visitors from other countries and from other faiths who share their language and culture with our pupils.

 

Resources

Click here to see how our ‘Jigsaw’ resource supports the teaching of British Values.

Our Assembly Schedule included dedicated ‘British Values’ sessions. The schedule can be found under curriculum / PSHE.

The school hall is our central area for whole school sessions including assemblies and lunchtime. It is for this reason that we have a permanent British Values display along with a display explaining Protected Characteristics.

 

Training

At the start of each academic year, staff complete a government approved PREVENT training module. This training supports staff in safeguarding people from radicalisation including through identifying behaviours that cause concern.