At Mab Lane Primary School, we actively promote the fundamental British values of:

• Democracy

• The Rule of Law

• Individual Liberty

• Mutual Respect

• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

These values are an important part of preparing our children for life in modern Britain. They are woven throughout our curriculum, assemblies, wider opportunities and everyday life at Mab Lane.

They also complement our own school values of Honesty, Respect, Happiness, Positivity, Kindness and Perseverance, helping our children to become confident, responsible and respectful members of their community.

Democracy

We want our children to understand that their voice matters and that they can make a positive contribution to their school and wider community.

Children experience democracy in a range of ways at Mab Lane, including:

• electing representatives to our School Council

• contributing their ideas and opinions through pupil voice

• taking part in class discussions, debates and votes

• helping to develop expectations and rules within their classrooms

• completing questionnaires and surveys about different aspects of school life

• having opportunities to influence decisions that affect them.

Through these experiences, children learn that everyone has the right to be heard and that decisions sometimes need to reflect the views of the wider community.

The Rule of Law

Children are taught why rules and laws are important and how they help to keep individuals and communities safe, fair and respectful.

Our school rules and expectations are clear and consistently reinforced. Children learn to understand the consequences of their choices, take responsibility for their actions and recognise the importance of treating others fairly.

Visits and links with members of our wider community, including the Police and Fire and Rescue Service, help children develop their understanding of laws, responsibilities and the role of public services.

Individual Liberty

At Mab Lane, children are encouraged to become confident, independent individuals who are able to make informed choices within a safe and supportive environment.

Through our curriculum and wider school experiences, children are encouraged to express their ideas, develop their own interests and understand that they have rights as well as responsibilities.

Our PSHE and Relationships Education helps children understand how to keep themselves safe, make healthy choices and recognise when they may need help or support.

Online safety is taught throughout school so that children understand how to enjoy the opportunities of the digital world while making safe and responsible choices.

Our wide range of clubs, activities, trips and experiences also gives children opportunities to discover their interests, develop new talents and make choices about the activities they would like to pursue.

Mutual Respect

Respect is one of our core Mab Lane values and is fundamental to life in our school.

Children learn that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and dignity. We encourage them to listen to others, appreciate different perspectives and understand that people may have different experiences, families, cultures and beliefs.

Respect is promoted through our curriculum, assemblies and everyday interactions between children and adults.

We celebrate kindness, positivity and achievement and encourage our children to recognise the positive contribution that others make to our school community.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Mab Lane is an inclusive school where everyone is welcome.

We help children develop an understanding and appreciation of the different faiths, beliefs, cultures and traditions that make up modern Britain and the wider world.

Through Religious Education, PSHE, assemblies, books, visitors, celebrations and curriculum opportunities, children learn about beliefs and ways of life that may be different from their own.

We encourage children to ask thoughtful questions, challenge stereotypes and understand that difference is something to be respected and valued.

Discrimination, prejudice and bullying have no place at Mab Lane.

British Values in the Early Years

British Values begin with the experiences our youngest children have every day.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children learn about fairness, rules, choices, respect and belonging through play, relationships and carefully planned learning experiences.

Democracy

Our youngest children learn that their thoughts and opinions are important. They are given opportunities to:

• make choices about their learning and play

• share their ideas during discussions and circle time

• listen to the ideas of others

• take turns and share

• negotiate with their friends

• contribute to decisions within their classroom.

The Rule of Law

Children begin to understand why we have rules and routines and how these help everyone to feel happy and safe.

Through consistent expectations, class routines and positive reinforcement, children learn about appropriate behaviour, boundaries, fairness and the consequences of their choices.

Individual Liberty

Children are encouraged to develop their independence and confidence from the very beginning of their Mab Lane journey.

They are supported to make choices, express their ideas and opinions, explore their interests and become increasingly independent in their learning and personal development.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Children learn that everyone is unique and that families, cultures, traditions and beliefs can be different.

Our Early Years environment reflects the diverse world in which our children are growing up. Children encounter a wide range of stories, resources, music, languages, celebrations and experiences that help them learn about themselves and others.

We celebrate and learn about a range of important festivals, traditions and events throughout the year and provide opportunities for children to encounter different cultures, faiths and ways of life.

Most importantly, our youngest children learn through their everyday experiences that everyone belongs at Mab Lane and everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

Preparing Children for Life Beyond Mab Lane

Promoting British Values is ultimately about preparing our children for their future.

We want children to leave Mab Lane understanding their rights and responsibilities, confident in expressing their own views while respecting those of others, and ready to make a positive contribution to the diverse society in which they live.

It is another important part of our commitment to giving every child at Mab Lane Only the Best.