British Values and Protected Characteristics

Promoting Fundamental British Values at Welbeck Primary School

In accordance with guidance from the Department for Education, at Welbeck Primary School we actively promote British Values to ensure our pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

We encourage all children to respect people of all faiths, races and cultures. Pupils learn that while individuals may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, everyone living in England is subject to its laws.

The Key Values Are:

• Democracy
• Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

How We Promote British Values

Democracy

Democracy plays an important role in life at Welbeck Primary School. Pupils have opportunities to express their views through pupil voice activities such as voting for the School Pupil Council Representative and questionnaires. Children are encouraged to contribute to decision-making and share ideas to improve the school community. UKS2 also cover the democracy topic where they look at how democracy has changed over time to become our current democratic system.

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether in the classroom, school, or wider society, is consistently reinforced. Pupils are taught why rules are necessary, how they protect us, and the consequences when they are not followed. Assemblies and class discussions help deepen this understanding, alongside visits from community services where possible. Pupils also have the opportunity at the beginning of the year to create a set of class rules. In UKS2, children look at the topic of crime and punishment and study how the rule of law has changed over time.

Individual Liberty

We encourage pupils to make choices within a safe and supportive environment. Through lessons such as PSHE and online safety, children learn about their rights and personal freedoms, and how to exercise these responsibly. Pupils are given opportunities to make choices in their learning and through participation in school activities.

Mutual Respect

Respect is a key part of the ethos at Welbeck Primary School. Pupils learn about the importance of treating others with kindness and consideration. This is reinforced through assemblies, classroom discussions, and everyday interactions across the school.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We promote tolerance by helping pupils understand and appreciate diversity within our community and beyond. Through RE, PSHE, assemblies, and discussions, children explore different cultures, religions, and perspectives, developing respect and understanding for others. We are also committed to visit two places of worship each year, becoming familiar with other religions and seeing where they practise their faiths.

How We Promote and Embed Protected Characteristics

Equality and inclusion are at the heart of the ethos at Welbeck Primary School. We are dedicated to creating a school environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and included.

We promote respect for the protected characteristics through:

• A broad and inclusive curriculum and a range of texts available to the children that reflects a diverse society
• Lessons in PSHE and RE that encourage understanding of different identities, beliefs, and cultures
• Assemblies and themed events that celebrate diversity and promote inclusion
• A strong focus on respect, kindness, and positive relationships across the school
• Clear policies and expectations that promote equality and challenge discrimination
• Providing pupils with opportunities to discuss and explore differences in a safe and supportive environment
• A celebration of different cultures through sharing food during art week
• Our My Concern and Arbor behaviour logging system – with categories including bullying, racial, and homophobic incidents – where any incidents are seen as an opportunity to reflect, learn, and make better choices next time