In accordance with the DfE, we at Kingsley Special Academy understand that the society we live in is diverse and therefore, the curriculum and life within school reflects this. For our children, we aim to continually weave the thread of social, cultural, moral and spiritual British values throughout day to day school life. Underpinning this are the values and understanding of democracy, law, liberty, respect, tolerance, tradition and heritage. The ‘Equality Act 2010’ protects all individuals from discrimination and it is the school’s duty to ensure that all individuals have equal access and opportunity to all that is on offer.

In our school we uphold and teach pupils about British Values which are defined as:

· Democracy

· Rule of Law

· Individual Liberty

· Mutual respect

· Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

These values are taught explicitly through our RE and PSHE and Citizenship curriculum. We also teach British Values through planning and delivering a broad and balanced curriculum. The school takes opportunities to actively promote British values through our daily activities and weekly assemblies. We also actively promote British values through ensuring that our curriculum planning and delivery includes real opportunities for exploring these values. Actively promoting British values means challenging pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British values including extremist views. In our school, British Values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Democracy is embedded within the school. Pupils 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. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas and have their voices heard through small and large group times. Our elected Student Council provides the children with a meaningful voice, as stakeholders, in the running of their school.

The Rule of Law

The children learn to understand the difference between right and wrong in all aspects of school life throughout the session. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Health and Fire Service are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message. To encourage and promote good behaviour, attitude and work, we have devised a very simple reward system that is appropriate to each group of children. As a school, we are committed to praising children’s efforts. We endeavour to praise the children informally, individually, during the session or in front of the whole class. Children are rewarded not only for achievement across all areas. Rewards are given in the form of stickers, certificates and specific rewards individualised to each child. Children’s achievements are also recognised during Assemblies and through our Open Door Policy with parents/carers.

Individual Liberty

In our school, our pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Our children are encouraged to give their opinions and share these ideas with due regard for the feelings of others. As part of our PSHE and Citizenship curriculum we place a huge emphasis on the social and emotional learning of our children. We celebrate achievements both in and out of school.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the School community treat each other with respect. Posters around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our classrooms and learning rules, as well as our behaviour policy. Young children will challenge each other when not showing respect and encourage each other to be respectful.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Members of different faiths or religions, especially parents and other family members are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within the school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Members of different faiths and religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within the school. Throughout school life the children are encouraged to consider and share differences between people such as their faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality (where appropriate).

British Traditions and Heritage

We celebrate the role of Britain both historically and in the present. We want pupils to have knowledge of and be proud of their British heritage and the cultural and historical traditions that we are renowned for the world over. This involves celebrating Royal events, Remembrance Day, festivals such as Harvest, Christmas, and Easter.