What are 'British Values'?

The guidance to schools and language around 'British Values' was introduced by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat Government of 2010 to 2015.

Since 2014, and as part of the Government's response to terrorism and the risk of children and young people being radicalised, schools were required to have a clear strategy for embedding these values and show how their work with pupils has been effective in doing so.

In 2020, our Federation School undertook a significant piece of work that simplified the language inherent in 'British Values' so that ALL our children could understand and live them.   The messages, values and intention in promoting 'British Values' in school has not been undermined, but strengthened in this renewed approach.

All our children can talk confidently, and with understanding, about the values of Aspiration, Respect and Kindness for all.

In 2023/2024, we are particularly focusing upon the way in which we deepen in our children an awareness of equity, equality, fairness, justice and freedom.  Inclusion, Diversity and Equity sits at the heart of our school development and in this way, aligned to our values, we can really teach, talk and challenge our children about issues such as Racism and Discrimination, in a way that makes better sense to them (not just a list of 'British Values' stuck on a wall) and enshrines such values within our curriculum, our classes  and our school culture.

Ensuring there is clarity in our Values work, also helps to keep children safe.  It helps them all be clear about what is and is not acceptable in school, home and wider society.  In this way, the approach we take helps us in our legal responsibilities under the 'PREVENT' duty. 

The Prevent Duty

The Prevent Duty

Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. It covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing, violent Islamist groups and other causes.

All schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence. Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.

What does this mean in practice?

Different schools will carry out the Prevent duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of the community. Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy. These include:

• Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity
• Challenging prejudices and racist comments
• Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity
• Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy

We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with pupils.

How does Prevent relate to British Values?

Schools have been required to promote the fundamental British Values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of our response to the Prevent strategy. 

Further information about the PREVENT strategy can be found here: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance

Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism?

The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is also about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect. The school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved.

Is extremism really a risk in our area?

Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. The skills the children learn will help protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.

Key terms

If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent strategy and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact either of our schools and ask to speak to a member of the leadership team.