Our British Values

We believe in the value of democracy and the right for all children to have a voice about their school. We learn to listen carefully and respect each other’s views and opinion and we encourage children to take ownership of their learning and progress.

At the beginning of the Autumn Term the children have the opportunity to become school councillors and buddies. They will put themselves forward as candidates for these roles. Their peers have a vote on who they believe will represent them best. This is based on the respect for democracy and participation in the democratic processes reflected in the British electoral system. We carry out school council meetings each half term. Discussions take place in class prior to the meetings to ensure each child has a right to contribute their own ideas and suggestions.

Through class discussions and circle times the children are able to talk freely about their ideas and views. These are respected and listened to by staff and other children. The children are also able to reflect on their own learning through assessment, verbal and written comments to feedback, mind maps at the beginning of topics, pupil interviews and questionnaires.

Our school values ensure that children understand the importance of making the right choices. The rule of law shows an appreciation that living with rules protects their wellbeing and safety.

Our behaviour, anti-bullying and acceptable use of IT policies are shared with the staff, governors, parents and children and is easily accessible on our website. Each class produces a set of rules to follow using the children’s ideas and is signed by each child. Our children talk about the rules and the importance to uphold them to maintain our school as a fair, safe and happy place to learn. This also enables them to have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and the consequences when rules are broken. A copy is displayed in the classroom. The school uses the restorative justice behaviour approach to solve conflicts.

Our children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are able to do this in a supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for children to make choices carefully, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Parents and children are aware of their responsibilities in the Home/School agreement.

Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights, responsibilities and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, through our curriculum, RE and PSHE lessons and E-safety programme. They are encouraged to make choices in their own learning and how to improve it. Children participate in assemblies, workshops, extra-curricular clubs, discussions and groups such as school council to develop this understanding.

At Puttenham CofE Infant School we believe that individual liberty is important and that each child understands their own freedom to make choices. We celebrate their goals, choices and achievements through acknowledgement, positive praise, stickers, dojo points and celebration assemblies.

Respect is one of the core values of our school and we encourage the staff, children, parents and governors to show kindness and consideration to others. We understand the importance of treating Mutual Respectothers with respect and celebrate diversity within our school and community. We promote this value in our day to day life at Puttenham CofE Infant School; how we treat each other in class, outside and in the community are important. The ethos of looking after each other is key to our values and this is often reflected by how children work together successfully and the school/class councillors and ‘buddy’ systems in the playground.

We welcome all those with different faiths and beliefs. Through our inclusive policies and broad and balanced curriculum, we provide the opportunity to learn about different cultures, faiths and beliefs. Within our RE topics the children will learn about Judaism and Islam. Children also learn about festivals such as Chinese New Year and Hanukkah. Our curriculum also takes a global approach; for example learning about different countries, charities, Fair Trade and significant people. Our reflective area gives all children the opportunity to think about their own ideas and beliefs and those of others.