At Sherwell Valley Primary School, we promote ‘British Values’ through our entire curriculum as part of our spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) provision. We fully recognise the multicultural, multi-faith and ever-changing face of Britain. We understand the crucial role the whole community plays in promoting diversity, tolerance and understanding in the Devon community.

Democracy

Our children have many opportunities for their voice to be heard. We have an elected School Council with democratic elections held once a year in the Autumn term. Our School Council has elected representatives from every class. Councillors gather feedback via regular conferences with their classmates. This is then fed back to the council and actions are agreed and acted upon. Councillors meet regularly with the Head Teacher, SLT and other relevant members of the whole school staff to share their views and make requests. There are regular surveys (whole school and classroom based), to gather the views of children to inform planning.

Rule of Law

Our children are taught the value and reasons behind the laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities involved and they are taught to understand the consequences when laws are broken. Through our School Values, we encourage our children to set codes of behaviour and consistently strive to ensure all our children make decisions and choices that consider the school and the wider community, creating an environment of respect and responsibility. 

Individual Liberty 

Sherwell Valley is committed to creating a learning environment that produces the right conditions for our children to become resilient and independent learners. We set high expectations and encourage our children to set challenging personal targets. Children of all ages are encouraged to become active and valued citizens. The School has a strong tradition of supporting and respecting our local and national community, and we promote this through supporting local and national charities and initiatives – for example, Children in Need Mufti Days, Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day, Pyjama Day for the RNLI and donating during the Harvest period.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a strong part of the school’s ethos and vision. All our children from EYFS through to Y6 learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community are expected to treat each other with respect and this is reinforced in every area of the curriculum and beyond: through our house reward system, assemblies and representing the school in the wider community.

Tolerance and acceptance of those with different cultures and beliefs

As a school situated in Devon, we recognise the importance of providing opportunities that promote acceptance of other cultures and beliefs. Our children have experienced many examples of this throughout our curriculum offer. The RE curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths and cultures. In planning Learning Enquiries, all teachers aim to develop our children’s understanding of SMSC and include consideration of British values, strengthened by our concepts. House and class assemblies, Mufti Days and charity events like Comic Relief and Sports Relief regularly promote tolerance and respect.