There is a statutory duty for schools to promote fundamental British values. The Department for Education (DfE) states that there is a need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to 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.”

At Albany Infant and Nursery School, we value the diversity of all pupils, families and wider school community. We understand our responsibility to prepare children for life in modern day Britain and the role they will play and the contribution they will make to 21^st century life.

We ensure that fundamental British values are promoted through all aspects of school life and run through our school ethos of the Albany All Star and our curriculum. We achieve this providing a variety of opportunities for our children and families and the wider community and through spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. By helping our children to become Albany All Stars, we are helping them to develop an age appropriate understanding of the values of:

Democracy – being a PROUD Albany All Star

Our children are encouraged to voice their opinions on a variety of matters contributing to school life through pupil interviews, school council, eco team and classroom discussions. The principle of democracy is also explored through the curriculum, PSHE and assemblies. We aim to include children’s voice in school policies which will impact on them.

Rule of Law – being a SAFE Albany All Star

Children are encouraged to develop a respect for rules and guidance and the need for these. They understand that we have rules to adhere to in school and that these should be respected. The concept of a wider rule of law is promoted through lessons, assemblies and visits or visitors such as the police or fire service. The school has a clear behavior management strategy which is clearly promoted to all learners and sets high expectations for behavior. There is a clear anti-bullying policy and online safety policy which are communicated to children in a variety of ways.

Individual Liberty – being a HAPPY and PROUD Albany All Star

Within school, learners are encouraged to express their preferences, given the freedom to make choices and supported to take risks and challenge themselves in a supportive and comfortable environment. They are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence through every day teaching and learning and the nurture support that we offer. Children are encouraged to understand and exercise their personal rights and freedoms in a safe and positive way, for example, being taught in PSHE that they have the power of consent. Vulnerable learners are supported and stereotypes are challenged, often using stories to explore related issues. Bullying is not tolerated and pupils are often given roles of responsibility e.g. monitors, school council, eco-team.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Others – being a RESPECTFUL, KIND and POLITE Albany All Star

Respect is a fundamental school value around which much of our school ethos revolves. Children are encouraged to understand what respect means and to have respect for their own culture, faith and beliefs as well as the culture, faith and beliefs of others. This is explored through RE, PSHE and assemblies. Staff and children are encouraged to challenge prejudice, discrimination and stereotypes. Our wider curriculum explores other parts of the world and other cultures and religion is explored through RE in KS1 and The World in EYFS. Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship.