BV and SMSC

Promoting British Values through SMSC at Westbury Infants.

The DfE have recently reinforced the need "to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools 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 have been reiterated in 2014.

We are really looking forward to a week of celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this half term! We will end in year group events where the parents will be invited in to celebrate alongside the children and staff. Photos can be found in the class blogs.

Democracy:

Each year the children decide upon their class rules and the rights associated with these. All the children contribute to the drawing up of the class rules.

We have a school council which meets termly.  All the children are involved in the meetings which are led by the year two children. The school council have been involved in gathering opinion about school issues such as charities to support and playtimes. School council leaders have been taught to implement a ‘majority rule’ when voting on particular issues. Parents have planned opportunities to voice their opinions especially through the Parents Forum. In class, we work together and listen to each other’s views and ideas. If we cannot come to a unanimous decision, we will vote and decide which ideas we prefer to ensure the decision is fair.

The Rule of Law:

The importance of laws, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, is consistently reinforced at Westbury Infants.

Pupils are taught from an early age the rules of the school and the values and reasons behind rules and laws; that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.

 Expectations are reinforced regularly and opportunities are sought frequently to praise positive choices. Pupils modelling behaviour consistent with the school’s high expectation are regularly recognised and used as role models to others.

Opportunities are provided regularly for children and staff to participate or spectate in sporting activities which represent good examples of fairness, rules and etiquette in sport, for example, Cricket Festival at Leighton Sports Centre and Real Play Club.  Extra-curricular clubs provided by outside providers (such as football, dance and multi-skills) emphasise why rules and boundaries are necessary to ensure safety. In class we listen carefully to rules and behaviour expected by the class teacher and other adults in the school.

Liberty:

At Westbury Infants, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.

As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education. Pupils are given the freedom to make choices and become critical thinkers through evaluating, reflecting and collecting valid and reliable evidence to make good decisions, for example: whether it is through choice of challenge; how they record their learning using key skills to present information and communicate ideas; or by choosing to participate in our extra-curricular clubs and opportunities. Safeguarding our pupils and staff is paramount and PSHE/e-Safety lessons aim to equip pupils with the skills to make safe choices

Mutual tolerance and respect:

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around Core Values such as 'Tolerance', 'Aspiration' and 'Consideration', and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown.

Our school reward system is centred on our Gems which involves all children from EYFS to Year 2. Gems are given for positive attitudes and behaviours. High levels of mutual respect are demonstrated daily in the excellent relationships between staff and pupils.

Westbury Infants is a diverse school. We actively promote diversity through our celebrations of different faiths and cultures. Religious Education lessons and PSHE lessons reinforce messages of tolerance and respect for others.  The children visit a place of worship.   Members of different faiths and religions within our school family are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
In class, we listen to a range of stories about different faiths and culture. Throughout all areas of the curriculum, children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.

SMSC

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC) is about everything we do at Westbury Infants, to help children build their own personal values, have positive relationships with others and become responsible young citizens in society.

SMSC development supports children to be kind, thoughtful and caring and to be able to live and learn alongside people with different beliefs, cultures and lifestyles. Our provision for pupils’ Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural and Emotional development (SMSC), builds on our values of our education.

An important part of SMSC is to support children to engage with British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and respect for different faiths and beliefs.

Spiritual Development:

We want children to be reflective about their own beliefs, but also show interest and respect for the beliefs and faiths of others. We encourage children to reflect, not just on their own behaviour and the choices they make, but also on the skills needed to remain calm and focused on their learning. Spiritual development is also about supporting children to be creative, imaginative and reflect on their learning experiences.

• Learning together to value the ideas and contributions of all children.
• Providing a varied and exciting curriculum that inspires children and makes learning enjoyable.
• Coming together in assemblies and special events to share learning with each other and with parents and the community to reflect on our learning experiences.

Moral Development:

Opportunities for Moral development include:

• Children working together to discuss and agree on what they need to do to create a safe, friendly and inclusive environment for learning.
• Opportunities in the curriculum for children to offer their own points of view and to be able to listen to and value those of others.
• In every classroom and throughout the school environment, children are encouraged to make positive behaviour choices and develop strategies to manage conflicts effectively.

Social Development:

We aim to teach children the social and relational skills needed to learn effectively in a diverse community.

Opportunities for Social development include:

• Making a positive contribution to the community through fund raising, volunteering and engagement in community projects
• Supporting children to develop the skills needed for living in a democracy through activities such as elections for School Council.

Cultural Development:

Our creative curriculum allow the children the opportunity to learn all about different lifestyles, backgrounds and beliefs other children have.

Opportunities for Cultural development include:

• Providing opportunities in the curriculum for children to visit places of worship and share their beliefs with others.
• Enabling children to enjoy and appreciate a variety of artistic, musical and cultural experiences, including drama, music, singing, choir and sports.