Promoting British Values at Longhill Primary School

As of September 2014, the DfE requires all schools to promote the historical and current values that underpin the national identity known as “being British”. Within this, all schools are required to ensure that the curriculum activealy promotes these fundamental British values.


  • Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services
  • Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process
  • Include in the curriculum information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain.
  • Encourage pupils to become involved in decision–making processes and ensure they are listened to in school.
  • Hold ‘mock elections’ so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view
  • Help pupils to express their views.
  • Teach pupils how public services operate and how they are held to account.
  • Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.
  • Provide pupils with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for, public institutions and services
  • Teach pupils how they can influence decision-making through the democratic process
  • Include in the curriculum information on the advantages and disadvantages of democracy and how it works in Britain.
  • Encourage pupils to become involved in decision–making processes and ensure they are listened to in school.
  • Hold ‘mock elections’ so pupils learn how to argue and defend points of view
  • Help pupils to express their views.
  • Teach pupils how public services operate and how they are held to account.
  • Model how perceived injustice can be peacefully challenged.
  • Ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair.
  • Help pupils to distinguish right from wrong.
  • Help pupils to respect the law and the basis on which it is made.
  • Help pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals.
  • Include visits from the police in the curriculum.
  • Teach pupils aspects of both civil and criminal law and discuss how this might differ from some religious laws
  • Develop restorative justice approaches to resolve conflicts.
  • Support pupils to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights.
  • Model freedom of speech through pupil participation, while ensuring protection of vulnerable pupils and promoting critical analysis of evidence.
  • Challenging stereotypes
  • Implement a strong anti-bullying culture.
  • Promote respect for individual differences
  • Help pupils to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
  • Challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
  • Organise visits to places of worship.
  • Develop links with faith communities.
  • Develop critical personal thinking skills.
  • Discuss differences of family situations, such as looked-after children or young carers.


What is “Britishness”?

British values are defined as:

Ofsted VersionDFE Version
DemocracyRespect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process.
The Rule of LawRespect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England.
Support for equality of opportunity for all.
Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefsMutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

What does ‘Actively promote…’ mean?

  • Focus on, and show how, the school’s work is effective in securing these values
  • Challenging pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to British values.

Aims

At Longhill Primary School – and in line with the individual pupils’ capacity to understand the concepts and ideas – we aim to:

 

“This school is great. Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to.”

Parent comment

“The teachers and pupils are the kindest people ever, if everyone was like this the world would be amazing.” 

HARRISON, Year 4

“I love the giant playground with all of the fantastic equipment on it; it keeps me busy all playtime. You can exercise whilst talking to your friends!”

ADAM, Year 4

“When I come to school, I feel loved because my friends play with me.” 

CHARLIE, Foundation Stage

“Longhill Primary is a good school. The staff are supportive and I feel welcome here. It is a very good environment and there’s lots of good things to do and learn.”

ALEISHA, Year 5

“We have amazing teachers at our school which makes us feel happy and helps us to learn.”

BRADLEY, Year 3

“I love coming to school because we always have fun lessons to learn and we learn a lot in school.”

MAYA, Year 3

“At Longhill, we learn lots of fascinating things. I’ve really enjoyed finding out all about the Vikings and Victorians in my topic lessons this year.”

RYAN, Year 4

“It’s fascinating because every single thing is interesting.

Year 2 pupil

“We would like to thank all the staff for their hard work. My son is a happy child and has a big smile on his face. I would like to say thank you for you getting him interested in sport.”

Parent comment

“It’s lovely because you can do RP and I love it.”

Year 2 pupil

“I love learning Big Maths and I can know all the Learn It’s so fast!” 

INES, Foundation Stage

“I cannot fault the school or staff since by son joined. He has blossomed and is doing great. The staff really do their best to help with anything they can. “

Parent comment

“I like outside! I love jumping on the barrels, going on the climbing frame, and pretending to be a pirate on the pirate ship.”

RUSSEL, Foundation Stage

“We are very happy with Longhill Primary School.”

Parent comment

“I love this school, I remember when I first walked in the door at 3 years old! Me and my friends have evolved a lot over the years, and I love coming here. I love the teachers and the work.”

ARCHIE, Year 5

“There are lots of amazing books available to read whenever we want.” 

MIA, Year 4

“My daughter has only just started and everything is great.”

Parent comment

“My daughter has come on so great at the school.”

Parent comment

“I love Longhill Primary School because the teachers are very kind. They always challenge us to work hard and help us when we are stuck.”

EVE, Year 4

“I like this school because all of the teachers treat us really well, appreciate us and make us feel safe.”

LOGAN, Year 5

“I like — because at break-times there are lots of things to do, such as gym equipment and games on the floor.” 

RYAN, Year 4

“The teachers are lovely, it is easy to make friends and the lesson are fun.” 

OLIVER, Year 4

“My son has settled into school well, he has only been here a short time. “

Parent comment

“The thing I like about Longhill is the marbles and prizes you get for doing good things for yourself and others.” 

EMMANUEL, Year 4

“The equipment available at break-times is fun to play with and I love earning prizes for my good work.” 

MIZGIN, Year 4

“I think this school is the best because everyone is kind and caring.”

BERKAY, Year 5

“I have no concerns, the teachers are attentive, my child is thriving at school and is always happy at hometime.”

Parent comment

“Longhill Primary teaches children respect, kindness and responsibility”

Year 6 pupil

“I like playing on the pirate ship because it’s a boat and I like big boats and the Titanic.” 

BROGAN, Foundation Stage

“We always have fun lessons which makes us enjoy coming to school. For example, I made chocolate pizzas in DT this year and they were amazing!”

ISLA, Year 3

“I like to play outside because it’s so fun to go on the climbing frame and the ladder and if you fall down there’s a monster and we can all turn into monsters – really BIG monsters!” 

SIYAR, Foundation Stage

“There isn’t anything, they are already a big part of the community.”

Parent comment

“Everything’s great for my daughter at the school and she loves coming to it.”

Parent comment

“Longhill builds children’s future to the limit”

Year 6 pupil

“The school is decorated nicely and it’s colourful.”

COREY, Year 3

“I have no concerns only praise for the staff I have encountered on my child’s journey so far.”

Parent comment

“The school is great and my child enjoys coming.”

Parent comment

“I feel that the school has always given my children the best support throughout. They are all exceeding because of this. “

Parent comment

“Here are Longhill we build positive relationships through restorative behaviours”

Year 6 pupil

“I like the teachers as they are very pleasant and appreciative, also they award with amazing awards such marbles and star of the week.”

FREYA, Year 4