The DfE requires schools to:

'Create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation 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.'

The government set out its definition of British Values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values were reiterated in 2014. At Bailiffe Bridge School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

Bailiffe Bridge is a democratic school. Each year the children have the opportunity to take on a variety of roles including playground mediator and school council representative. The school council meets regularly under the guidance of Miss Kolassa. They address issues raised in class council meetings and discuss ways in which they can further improve the work of the school. The council members are democratically elected by their peers from years 2 - 6. There are two council members per class. They have an opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions both at staff and governor meetings.

Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout typical school days. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind the law that governs and protects us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits to school from the police and fire services help to reinforce this message. 

Individual Liberty

Within school, children are actively encouraged to make choices and take risks in the knowledge that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries to support children in making choices safely through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. 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 and PSHCE lessons. Whether it is through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, or participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviour has an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of our school community treat each other with respect.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Although in an area that is predominantly white British, Bailiffe Bridge is surrounded by areas of diversity; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE and PSHCE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to the major world faiths. Our curriculum reflects our understanding of British Values as well as our understanding of our multi-cultural society; subjects such as  History, Geography, Art, Literacy as well as RE and PSHCE all give opportunities for children to research, experience and learn about events, British traditions, laws and the influence of other cultures in our society.