Translation
Hamstel Infant School and Nursery
Hamstel Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 4PQ - 01702 468461
Part of the Portico Academy Trust
opening doors, unlocking potential
Our British Values
Everybody is responsible for “promoting the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs”.
Our Strategy
Hamstel Infant School and Nursery serves a community of mostly white Christians and we therefore recognise the need to develop awareness, tolerance and respect for the many different faiths and cultures in the wider community. We understand the vital role we have in identifying and preventing intimidation in any form. Encouraging children to think as individuals and make ‘good choices’.
At Hamstel Infant School and Nursery these values are promoted in the following ways:-
Democracy
We have a School Council where members are voted for each term by their peers. Two children from each Year One and Two classes are represented. ‘Candidates’ discuss their ‘manifesto’ outlining why they think they would be a good member of the School Council. Their class decide who will best represent them through a fair election. Children understand that a place on the School Council comes with the responsibility of representing the needs and interests of their class friends.
Democracy is taught during PSHE sessions and children have opportunities to express their views in school through Pupil Voice on the School Council, please click here
The Rule of Law
Behaviour and safety at Hamstel Infant School and Nursery are consistently strong and are a priority for the entire school community. Children know what is expected of them and why our Golden Rule is so important. They know what the consequences are if they do not follow them as the sanctions from our Positive Behaviour Policy are clearly displayed in the classrooms.
Children at Hamstel Infant School and Nursery proudly uphold our values. Children also understand that their behaviour and regard for the values extend beyond the school itself, such as acting as school ambassadors while on trips or when representing the school.
Individual Liberty
Hamstel Infant School and Nursery is a safe place for children and we strive to cultivate an atmosphere in which children can make choices about their school life in a supportive learning environment.
We prepare children for making their own assessments for their later lives in modern Britain through interaction and support which includes: School Council, Friendship Posts, and transition procedures including Transition Buddies. We challenge stereotypes in the texts we select. We implement a strong anti-bullying culture through the positivity of ‘friendship’. We support all through promoting E-Safety throughout school and parents and staff receive training on this too.
From the very start of their education, we encourage children to be autonomous by giving them ownership of their own learning. Children regularly have next steps shared with them, whether verbally or with written feedback in books so they know exactly what they can do to make good progress. Children learn in a safe nurturing environment, with clear boundaries, within which they may make choices.
Mutual Respect
Our School motto ‘We Care’ (need to make link) values equality and appreciation of diversity with active inclusive practice that underpins mutual respect. Children live these values in their daily school life with care and consideration. The children and all school staff understand our values and work in a manner that encourages everyone to achieve to their best. Assemblies regularly include “Respect” and pupils have been part of discussions related to what this means and how we show it in different contexts. When a child does well, their achievement is celebrated and rewarded either by being nominated as a “Star of the Week” in celebration assemblies and achievement being shared in the weekly newsletter to parents and carers.
We will challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviours both in and around our school site.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Children have an entitlement to learn about faiths. At Hamstel Infant School and Nursery we promote a balanced approach to Religious Education that is broadly Christian, but takes account of the teaching and practices of other principal religions represented in Britain. We have links in the local community that support teaching of different faiths and beliefs. We respond to national and international events at an age appropriate level. Children are explicitly taught about different faiths in Religious Education lessons and during whole school assemblies. Tolerance and understanding are explored during circle time lessons. Through these lessons children develop respect for others; developing strong and lasting relationships that promote cohesion. We are lucky that we are rich on both cultures and languages, with twelve home languages represented.
Please click here to access more information and practical advice on protecting children from extremism and radicalisation.
British Values
We are lucky to live in a diverse country, where people of different faiths, beliefs and backgrounds can live peacefully together.