British Values

Statement of British Values

South Somerset Partnership School is committed to supporting its partnership schools across South Somerset. It recognises the multi – cultural, multi – faith and the ever changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those it serves. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the PRU are not subjected to intimidation or radicalization by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

The PRU accepts referrals for young people entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. It follows the policies outlined by the Area Management Committee regarding equality. This guarantees that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. It seeks to serve all.

The Government requires all PRUs to actively promote fundamental British values, in order to improve safeguarding; strengthen the barriers to extremism; ensure children become valuable and full rounded members of society who treat others with respect and tolerance, regardless of background and to ensure young people leave the PRU fully prepared for life in modern Britain. This aligns with all schools and PRUs obligations under section 78 of the Education Act (2002), as part of a broad and balanced curriculum, to promote the spiritual, moral, social, cultural (SMSC), mental and physical development of pupils at the PRU.

All staff are SSPS are WRAP trained and able to identify and support any child or young person at risk of radicalisation.

The fundamental British values, first set out by the government in the ‘Prevent’ strategy in 2011 and reinforced through further Department for Education advice in November 2014 are:
  • Democracy
  • The Rule of Law
  • Individual Liberty
  • Mutual respect and tolerance of those different faiths and beliefs
Actively promoting the values means challenging opinions or behaviours in the PRU that are contrary to fundamental British values. The Teachers Standards expect teachers to uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside PRU. This includes not undermining fundamental British values.
The following list describes the understanding and knowledge expected of pupils as a result of our PRU promoting fundamental British values:
  • An understanding of how citizens can influence decision making through democratic processes.
  • An understanding that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that while some public bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account through Parliament, others such as courts maintain independence.
  • An appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety.
  • An understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law.
  • An acceptance that people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
  • An understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination.
Below are some examples of actions we take to promote British values at SSPS:
  • Curriculum -Across the curriculum, opportunities are built into lessons for students to explore and practice fundamental British values, either through topics studied or by following the PRU’s general structures and behaviour codes.
  • Wider PRU Life – Our PRU vision, values and general ethos support fundamental British values and we have a strong emphasis on the development of SMSC across the PRU. Within the PRU, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Student Voice – We promote democratic processes, fostering the concept and application of freedom of speech and group action to address needs and concerns
  • Ongoing Opportunities – We use local and national opportunities that arise to promote fundamental British values and provide pupils with the opportunity to learn how to argue and defend points of view.
  • Extra – Curricular – There is a wide range of sporting, creative and academic activities to choose from including outdoor education, Duke of Edinburgh Award, art, cookery, motor vehicle engineering and construction. These promote self – development, self – esteem, confidence and understanding of the concept of fair play, following and developing rules, inclusion, celebrating and rewarding success.
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Tel:  01935 410793
Email: office@ssps.org.uk

South Somerset Partnership School
Dampier Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4EN