British Values & Prevent

What is Prevent?

Prevent is part of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy that aims to stop people becoming terrorists. It is a multi-agency approach to safeguard people at risk of radicalisation. Working together we can prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. Please read the leaflet to find out more or speak to our designated safeguarding leader - Mr Bailey (Headteacher).

What are British Values?

The Department for Education have 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 & mutual respect 
• tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Within the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust we seek to promote these values through our Trust vision statement and within the individual academies within our Trust.  Our curriculum approach ensures that these values are addressed frequently through RE, personal and social development, behaviour and reward systems and circle time, as well as through collective worship and extra-curricular activities.

At Southbroom St James Academy we promote the fundamental British values in the following ways:

Democracy

Children are taught about democracy right from the start. Each year the children, as a class write their class charter which clearly outlines their rights and responsibilities. Each class also decide, in a democratic way, who will be their School Council representatives for the year.

Our School Council  members meet regularly to share views and ideas on a range of school issues. They also help make decisions, for example which charities we want to fund raise for. They also collect class views which they bring to their meetings for discussion. 

Children have regular questionnaires with which they are able to give their feedback about different aspects of the school and from which actions are then taken.

The Rule of Law

Children are taught the reasons behind our school values, the responsibilities that these involve and the consequences when values are broken. Each class agrees its own class charter at the beginning of the academic year and the subsequent consequences for not following these rules and the rewards for adhering to them. Our children know that they have rights and responsibilities following the school charter.

Through PSHE and following our SMSC policy children are taught about the law in the wider community. 

Individual Liberty & Mutual Respect

Children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Through our work we discuss different choices that the children can make and encourage them to make the right choices. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.  We promote a growth mind-set in our children to develop their ability to look for positive ways to tackle challenges in work and in life. We look at E-safety as a key part of the computing curriculum and the importance making safe choices when online.

Mutual respect is at the heart of our values. We are an inclusive school where everyone is valued and has a contribution to make to the school. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others.  Our school ethos, ‘With faith we live, learn and grown together’, is reflected in how we encourage our children to learn from each other.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

All different faiths and beliefs are explored and celebrated through daily acts of collective worship, assemblies, RE sessions and with the support of a variety of visitors into school. The children are taught that people have different faiths and beliefs and that these should be accepted.

At Southbroom St James Academy we will actively challenge children, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to the fundamental British Values, including extremist views. All our staff have undertaken PREVENT training so are alert to the need to respond to potential extremism and radicalisation.