British Values at Maidenbower Infant School

The government emphasises the importance of “creating and enforcing a clear and rigorous expectation for all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs.”

At Maidenbower Infant School, these values are embedded within the Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development of our pupils and integrated into our PSHE/RSE curriculum. They form the foundation of everything we do. Our teachers and staff consistently support and model these values throughout the curriculum and in all aspects of school life, ensuring they are a central part of our school community.

Democracy

At Maidenbower Infant school, democracy is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in treating all children fairly, listening to their voices, and showing them respect. Children are encouraged to share their opinions and ask questions throughout their learning and school experiences. Teachers take children's interests into account when planning lessons and offer a wide range of activities in both large and small group settings. Through continuous provision, children have the freedom to make choices about their play and learning, with opportunities to move between indoor and outdoor areas. The school council and activities like "Book of the Day" help children understand how they can contribute to decision-making through a democratic process, while also exploring the strengths and challenges of democracy. Rights and responsibilities are regularly discussed in our PSHE lessons, ensuring every child’s voice is heard. We use various communication methods, including a total communication approach, to make sure all students are included. Developing children’s oracy skills is a key focus, as we want every child to feel confident in expressing their views. We also value feedback from parents and carers through informal comments, annual surveys, and school governance.

Mutual respect and tolerance

At Maidenbower Infant School, we are proud to be an inclusive community where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute. We foster an environment where children learn to respect and tolerate one another, a principle consistently modelled by staff and embedded in our curriculum. We uphold individual dignity, ensuring every child feels a strong sense of belonging. Children are taught to recognise and celebrate differences, cultivating respect and understanding for others. Through a variety of cultural celebrations and learning opportunities, our pupils develop an appreciation for the rich diversity of faiths and traditions. Our PSHE curriculum and school life encourage children to form their own moral values, emphasising respect for differing views and opinions. At Maidenbower Infant School, respect is one of our core values. This focus contributes to positive behaviour, self-awareness, and mutual understanding, laying the groundwork for children to thrive as respectful and inclusive members of modern British society.

Individual Liberty

We provide children with opportunities to develop self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness throughout the curriculum and explicitly during PSHE sessions. Our school values—respectful, kind, curious, and ambitious—are integral to daily life and evident in the attitudes and achievements of our pupils. Children are encouraged to take risks, share their ideas, and take the initiative, with their work celebrated through classroom displays and regular praise. They are actively involved in maintaining school rules and are given a voice that is both heard and valued. We aim to empower children to make safe, responsible choices while understanding boundaries. E-Safety is a key focus, with lessons on using the internet safely and responsibly, understanding what information to share, and respecting online spaces. Assemblies, such as the NSPCC's 'Speak Out, Stay Safe', reinforce these values and provide children with essential life skills.

Rule of law

Through our PSHE curriculum and school activities, children learn the difference between right and wrong and are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions. Opportunities to positively contribute to the community, such as charity fundraisers, enhance their understanding of civic responsibility. We invite public services, including police, fire, and health professionals, to engage with our pupils, helping them appreciate the role of rules and laws in keeping us safe. School rules and values are clearly communicated and supported by visual aids and a total communication approach to ensure accessibility for all. Children actively care for our school environment, learning to tidy up and look after shared spaces. Tools such as Colour Monster and Zones of Regulation help pupils develop emotional literacy and self-regulation. Through these efforts, children understand that rules and laws, created through consensus, exist to protect and support wellbeing. They are taught the consequences of breaking rules and the importance of fairness, safety, and mutual cooperation.