We have six core Christian Values which we focus on in turn throughout the school year. Each of these values is underpinned by scripture and related to Jesus, which is what makes our values distinctively Christian. Our Christian values were been chosen by children and staff are promoted across the whole school by all adults.  They have been linked to bible stories and PSHE themes and are used at the foundation of our Collective Worship teachings.  The values are also linked to the curriculum including R.E. and other subjects.

Classes regularly take turns to lead whole school Collective Worship using the current value to base their presentation and prayers around.  Pupils also take an active role in writing and leading prayers for our school, key stage and class Collective worship and their prayers reflect the values.     

Our values are:

Love, Respect, Community, Trust, Collaboration and Perseverance 

Our Christian identity plays an important role in upholding British values within our school community and are an intrinsic part of our ethos and school culture.   

The Government defines British Values as:

Democracy

The rule of law

Individual liberty

Mutual respect

Tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.

At Milstead and Frinsted C of E Primary, British Values are promoted in so much of what we do - during our daily acts of Collective Worship, through the teaching of Personal, Social, Health and Emotional (PSHE), Philosophy and Religious Education (RE) and through the delivery of a broad and balance curriculum.  We value and celebrate the heritages of everybody at our school.  Alongside this, we value and celebrate being part of Britain. In general terms, this means that we celebrate traditions, such as customs in the course of the year; for example, Harvest festival during the autumn term.  We also value and celebrate national events, such as World Book day, Comic Relief, Children in Need and so on.

At Milstead and Frinsted C of E Primary School, British values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy is important at our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our active School Council and through annual pupil questionnaires.  The elections of School Council Members are based solely on pupil votes.  School council members are involved in the recruitment process for new teachers.  

The rule of law:

The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced every day.  Children are involved in drawing up individual class rules each year and our school traffic light system for behaviour is aligned to an agreed set of rules.    If children are given warnings, they are helped to identify which aspect of the code they have broken to ensure that this connection is made and understood.  They are also given an opportunity to reflect upon their behaviour and are always encouraged to make amends through restorative justice.  Headteacher’s certificates, house points and raffle tickets are designed to reward children for exemplary behaviour and living their life by the chosen set of rules.  Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the police, fire service, lifeguards etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual liberty: 

Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices at our school, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we provide boundaries for our children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and planned curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-Safety teaching, PSHE, philosophy and RE lessons.  Pupils are given the freedom to make choices, e.g. signing up for extra-curricular clubs, choosing the level of challenge in some lessons and planning and delivering Collective Worship.

Mutual respect:

Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy are based around core Christian values such as ‘respect’ and ‘co-operation’ and these values determine how we live as a school community.  Collective worship is based on Christian Values and is central to how we expect everyone to go about their daily life at our school. Children and adults alike, including visitors, are rewarded for displaying positive values and behaviours and are challenged if not. Displays around the school promote respect for others and this is reiterated through our class rules, daily prayers and our behaviour policy.

Appreciation and reverence for those of different faiths and beliefs:

Whilst we are a Christian School, we offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which major religions are studied and respected.   We believe that appreciation and reverence is gained through knowledge and understanding.  We are proud to promote and celebrate different backgrounds and beliefs and mutual respect is at the heart of our ethos.  Our children are taught that it is imperative and expected that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have, and to everything, whether it is a school resource or a religious belief.  Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others.  We aim to enhance pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity in our local community.  Discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying are supported by learning in RE and PSHE.  Other lessons where we might develop awareness and appreciation of other cultures are in English through fiction and in art by considering culture from other parts of the world.  During themed weeks, we may celebrate and enjoy learning about the differences in countries and cultures around the word and at other times we might consider groups or individuals who might be vulnerable in some way.