In 2011, the government set out the British values that help to prepare children and young people for life in modern Britain. These values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of other faiths and beliefs, and of those of none

At Burford Church of England Primary School, British values are at the heart of our school community. They sit alongside our Christian foundation, and are embedded within our PSHE curriculum, SMSC provision, assemblies and safeguarding arrangements. Our approach is also closely linked to our Young Leaders Award work and is reinforced through flourishing family meetings and subject teaching across each term.

We aim to develop confident, thoughtful, and responsible pupils who understand their rights and responsibilities, value others, and contribute positively to their community.

How we promote British Values

Children at Burford CofE Primary School learn about and apply British values through a wide range of meaningful experiences, including:

• Democracy
  • A school parliament where pupils nominate candidates, vote for representatives, and contribute to decision-making.
  • Opportunities to express views and be listened to within the classroom and wider school life.
• The Rule of Law
  • Clear school rules and expectations, helping children to understand right from wrong.
  • Teaching pupils that rules and laws help to keep everyone safe and ensure fairness.
• Individual Liberty
  • Encouraging children to make choices and express themselves respectfully.
  • Enabling pupils to take part in a wide range of clubs and activities of their choice.
• Mutual Respect and Tolerance
  • High expectations for behaviour, manners, and courtesy.
  • Supporting pupils to discuss differences, resolve disagreements and show empathy.
  • Teaching children to respect people of all faiths, beliefs, and cultures, and those of none.

We also strengthen children’s understanding of British values by:

• Taking part in community initiatives such as the WOW travel tracker – walk to school challenge.
• Supporting pupils’ physical well-being through high-quality school meals and sports provision.
• Teaching internet safety and responsible use of social media.
• Developing links with other schools.
• Holding regular Celebration Assemblies, recognising good attendance, positive learning behaviours and individual and group achievements.
• Encouraging charitable actions, such as Year 6 pupils taking Christmas food parcels to local old age residents and the local food bank.

What does this mean for my child?

At Burford CofE Primary School, we prepare children for life in modern Britain by helping them to understand:

• The importance of challenging discrimination and prejudice.
• How individuals can influence decision-making through democratic processes such as voting.
• Their freedom under British law to hold different beliefs and faiths.
• That laws exist to protect us and help society function fairly.

Our vision

In summary, we support children to “become themselves and flourish together”, enabling them to be the very best they can be. We encourage pupils to take responsibility for their actions, develop a strong moral compass, and play an active role in creating a just, respectful, and inclusive society.