British Values
In line with guidance from the Department for Education, St Nicholas Primary School actively promotes Fundamental British Values to ensure children are prepared for life in modern Britain.
Pupils are encouraged to show respect and tolerance towards people of all faiths, races and cultures, and to understand that while people may hold different beliefs about right and wrong, everyone living in England is subject to the law.
Our School Aims
Our aims are built on three key principles:
Achievement
To provide every child with the life skills needed to become successful learners who reach their full potential.
Care and Inclusion
To provide a safe, supportive, stimulating and inclusive environment where every child is recognised, valued, encouraged and cared for.
Community Partnership
To actively involve the whole community, particularly families, whose partnership plays a vital role in supporting children’s education and encouraging lifelong learning.
Our Ethos at St Nicholas
When asked what makes St Nicholas special, our children say:
“We are a small school with a big heart and a love for learning.”
They also tell us: “We are rich because we have so many cultures,” and “We never give up.”
We believe our strong, caring ethos has been developed over time in partnership with children, families, staff and governors.
British Values & SMSC
Schools are required to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development. Promoting British values strengthens and reinforces our existing ethos — it does not replace it.
British values are:
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embedded throughout school life
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linked to our safeguarding calendar
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taught explicitly once per half term
British Values Focus by Term
Autumn 1 – Individual Liberty Autumn 2 – Tolerance Spring 1 – Democracy Spring 2 – Rule of Law Summer 1 – Mutual Respect Summer 2 – Individual Liberty
What Are Fundamental British Values?
The government defines these as:
Democracy
The Rule of Law
Individual Liberty Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
How We Promote British Values at St Nicholas
Democracy – What Do We Do?
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Class voting for school councillors and house captains
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Whole-school elections for Head Boy and Head Girl
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Opportunities for children to influence decision-making
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Pupil voice through School Council
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Assemblies and curriculum links
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Children taking part in interviews for pupil ambassador roles
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Voting on after-school clubs
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Whole-school workshops within house teams
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Modelling how injustice can be challenged peacefully
The Rule of Law – What Do We Do?
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Clear, fair school rules and expectations
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Class rules and celebration of positive behaviour
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Teaching the difference between right and wrong
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Understanding how laws protect individuals
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PSHE lessons on peer pressure and making safe choices
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Promotion of children’s rights
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Regular links to safeguarding and equality
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Visits from the police to discuss local safety
Individual Liberty – What Do We Do?
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Supporting self-confidence, self-esteem and independence
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Encouraging responsibility for behaviour and choices
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Teaching children about rights and freedoms
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Promoting freedom of speech in a safe and respectful way
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Challenging stereotypes through PSHE
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Strong anti-bullying culture
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Regular e-safety teaching and parent/staff training
Mutual Respect & Tolerance – What Do We Do?
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Promoting respect for individual differences
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Challenging prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour
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Exploring positive role models from diverse backgrounds
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Visits to places of worship
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Celebration assemblies for religious and non-religious events
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A strong Religion & World Views curriculum
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Faith Week and enrichment opportunities
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Teaching respectful disagreement using oracy strategies
Preparing Children for Life in Modern Britain
Through our curriculum, assemblies, safeguarding work and daily interactions, we help children to:
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respect others
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express their views confidently and safely
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understand fairness, equality and justice
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value diversity
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become responsible, thoughtful citizens
“Staff feel valued and proud to work here – creating a positive school culture.”
“A small school with a huge heart, where children are truly cared for.”
“A welcoming, well-organised school where pupils feel safe, valued and known.”
“An ambitious curriculum helps pupils speak confidently about their learning.”
“Behaviour is calm and positive, with pupils showing kindness and courtesy.”
“A school that continues to be judged good, with safeguarding at its heart.”
“Pupils know they have trusted adults to turn to if they are worried.”
“Reading is a priority from the very start of school life.”
“Children are taught to respect differences and celebrate who they are.”
“Strong relationships with parents are built from the moment children join the school.”
“Staff know every child well and build warm, respectful relationships.”
“High expectations inspire pupils to work hard and achieve their best.”