British Values

Modern British Values 

A key part of education is to ensure children become valuable and fully rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background.  We promote the British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.  This ensures our children understand the importance of respect and leave Leys Primary School fully prepared for their next stage of learning but for greater experience of life in modern Britain.  

Democracy

Our children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard.  Each class, from Yr 2 - 6, votes for two representatives to champion their opinions, as members of the School Council which meets each month with Mr De La Cruz.  School Council discuss the issues raised by their peers and is able to genuinely effect change within the school.  Members of the School Council then share the results of their meetings with their class.  Children from Reception and Year 1 have regular visits from members of the school council who share the information in an age appropriate way. 

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies.  Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, how they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.  Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.  

Individual Liberty

Within school, pupils are actively engaged to make choices and take responsibility for these choices, knowing they are in a safe and supportive environment.  As a school, Leys Primary has a responsibility to provide boundaries and safety for children through rules and regulations but also give them opportunities to make mistakes and learn from their experiences.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through E-Safety lessons.  However, whether it be through choice of learning challenges, or how they record a piece of learning, or through participation in individual and team sports, or even what to choose to eat at lunch, pupils are given freedom to make choices.  It is a central element in our school creed - see the Home page of our school website.  

Mutual Respect

Respect is reinforced in expectations of all members of the school community.  Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others and all members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect.  This expectation is reinforced during assemblies.  

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Leys Primary School, being situated in the culturally diverse borough of Barking and Dagenham, has a strong history of celebrating cultural diversity.  Our programme of assemblies, promote and encourage an understanding and acceptance of different faiths and beliefs through stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures.  Religious Education and Personal Development teaching reinforce this.  In RE lessons, members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school and classes visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.  

At Leys Primary School we have a commitment to actively challenge pupils, staff, parents or carers, expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values,

including extremist views.