British Values
What does ‘British values’ mean?
According to Ofsted, ‘Fundamental British values’ comprise:
- democracy
- the rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and for those without faith.
How should schools teach it?
Advice from the Department for Education is that British values should be promoted through the school’s SMSC provision (spiritual, moral, social and cultural).
Click here to read about the Prevent Strategy
Since July 2015, schools have a legal responsibility, under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act, to “have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.
This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views in the same way we protect them from any other dangers. The strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. However, it is about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect. As a school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of all children involved.
We already do many things in school to enable children to become happy members of society.
These include:
- challenging prejudices and racist comments.
- exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity.
- promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural.
- developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity.
- the development of British values.
Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. Some of these may be a bigger threat in our area than others.
We will give children the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.
Where to go for further information
Prevent duty guidance: for England and Wales, HM Government
Frequently asked questions, Prevent For Schools
http://www.preventforschools.org/?category_id=38
What is Prevent? Let’s Talk About It