Statement of British Values
As of 2014, the Department for Education published guidance stating that all schools have a duty to actively 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.
These are linked to our school values and are promoted through so much of what we do. We place the voice of the child at the heart of the school and aim to encourage our children to be caring, tolerant and respectful citizens of their local and global community.
Below are some of the ways in which we promote these fundamental British values at Crowhurst Church of England Primary School.
Democracy
Democracy is woven into the daily life of our school, ensuring that every pupil knows their voice is valued. Through our formal School Council and Sports Leaders—where representatives are elected by their peers—and more broadly across our curriculum, children gain first-hand experience of democratic processes. We actively encourage all pupils to express their views, share their concerns, and participate meaningfully in discussions that shape our school community.
Rule of Law
The importance of the law is consistently reinforced throughout the school day, providing our pupils with a clear framework for life. This begins with our high expectations for behaviour, which are explored during collective worship, specific assemblies, and our RSHE curriculum. We go beyond simple rules; our children learn the purpose behind the laws that govern and protect us, the responsibility of facing consequences, and the transformative power of restorative justice in healing our community.
Individual Liberty
At Crowhurst, individual liberty is nurtured through a culture of choice and responsibility. We encourage pupils to exercise their rights and personal freedoms within a secure framework, teaching them how to make suitable, safe decisions for themselves and their community. This journey of independence is supported by teachers through the promotion of online safety and RSHE, and is put into practice daily as pupils choose from a rich variety of extra-curricular activities and leadership roles.
Mutual Respect
Our school ethos is built upon a foundation of mutual respect and kindness, reflecting our belief that every individual is uniquely valuable. These core principles are woven into the daily life of our school and are explicitly reinforced through our behaviour policy, collective worship and curriculum design. By nurturing these qualities, we ensure that every member of our community feels safe, respected, and empowered to flourish.
Tolerance
At Crowhurst, we go beyond tolerance to foster a genuine acceptance and celebration of all faiths and beliefs. We empower our pupils to thrive in a culturally diverse society by providing rich opportunities to experience and understand the beauty of different traditions. Through our RE curriculum and inclusive assemblies, we explore a wide range of global perspectives, proactively challenging prejudice and bullying to ensure our school is a sanctuary of respect for everyone.