Promoting British Values at Seaham Trinity Primary School
Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, Tolerance
The Prevent Duty
On 1st July 2015 the Government brought into law the Prevent Duty. This means that all educational providers including Schools, Nurseries, Colleges and Universities in the United Kingdom have a duty of care to keep children and adults safe from harm from radicalisation and extremism, in all of its forms.
In order for our school to fulfil this requirement all of our staff have received anti radicalisation training. This is very important as it supports staff to be able to identify children who may be vulnerable to and at risk of radicalisation; and gives staff the skills to know what to do if they come across any potential risks of radicalisation. The purpose of the Prevent Duty is not to narrow the school curriculum but gives us an opportunity to open our children’s minds to the world that they live in.
The Department for Education (DFE) states that: ‘It is important to emphasise that the Prevent duty is not intended to stop pupils debating controversial issues. On the contrary, schools should provide a safe space in which children, young people and staff can understand the risks associated with terrorism and develop the knowledge and skills to be able to challenge extremist arguments.’
Article 29 (goals of education) Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights, as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures, and the environment.
Article 30 (children from minority or indigenous groups) Every child has the right to learn and use the language, customs and religion of their family, whether or not these are shared by the majority of the people in the country where they live.
British Values
At Seaham Trinity it is immensely important that we strive to provide our children with rich and diverse learning experiences which challenge and enhance their understanding of the world around them. As a school, we believe that, by focusing on the positive aspects of fundamental British values it will help to build our pupil’s resilience to radicalisation enabling them to challenge extremist views in all of its forms.
The DFE gives the definition of extremism as “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.” And goes on to state that “Terrorist groups very often draw on extremist ideas developed by extremist organisations.”
To aid us to deliver this rich curriculum we believe it is important that all children have a firm understanding of their own culture, the traditions of the UK, and of the diverse cultures within the United Kingdom. Our children access these opportunities through many different strands of school life such as RE, History, English, PE, Music, educational visits, visitors invited into school, assembly time and by being a Rights Respecting School. And also, through PSHE and Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural development which are intertwined through all aspects of school life.
In school we keep fundamental British values are at the heart of everything we do. These core values of:
Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance
are not new concepts or ideas. They are the cornerstone of what makes us British and are woven through everyday life. In the ever changing and diverse times that we now find ourselves living in, it is more important than ever that we continue to relay these core values to our children to enable them to become independent thinkers so that they can develop their own understanding enabling them to draw their own conclusions and start to draw up their own moral code. By doing this we are providing our children with the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence in themselves to face any challenge they may meet and equip them with the attributes they need to begin to form their own opinions and ideas and the confidence to challenge radical ideas and thoughts in themselves.
Article 13 (freedom of expression) Every child must be free to express their thoughts and opinions and to access all kinds of information, as long as it is within the law.
Article 14 (freedom of thought, belief and religion) Every child has the right to think and believe what they choose and also to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Governments must respect the rights and responsibilities of parents to guide their child as they grow up.
Article 3 (best interests of the child) The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children.
If you would like anymore information please contact Mrs Clayton, who is our PSHE Co-ordinator.
