Larkfields Junior School

Our Larkfields Values 

The DfE have recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.” The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year.

We at Larkfields Juniors believe it is important to share with all our community our core values from our Take Care Charter. These Larkfields values are reinforced regularly within the curriculum and in extracurricular activities in the following ways:

Mutual Respect:
Our Take Care Charter is an integral part of our whole school. We passionately believe that our whole school needs to Take Care of ourselves, each other, our environment and our learning. Our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around our Take Care Charter which is explained to all members of our school community and is posted around the school to promote respect for others.
This is reiterated through our classroom and learning rules.

Individual Liberty:
Within Larkfields Juniors all pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make these choices safely, through the provision of a secure environment and empowering education. 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 and PSHE and RE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record their work, of participation in our various extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices for themselves.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been reinforced and supported by learning in RE and PSHE and throughout the curriculum. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge and be our local experts to enhance learning within the classroom and across the school. We take as many opportunities as possible to visit places of worship to reinforce our learning and develop our understanding of faiths.

Democracy:
Democracy is ever present within Larkfields Juniors. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and our Take Care representatives. Our Take Care Ambassadors choose individuals who have followed our Charter particularly well during a teaching session. Individual pupils can nominate others for dojos for outstanding behaviour or learning. Local and National events such as elections and the role of the government are regularly discussed with our children.

The Rule of Law:
The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout school as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. 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. Staff are proactive in discussing with the children responses to local, national and international events that may be significant in the news. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service etc. are parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.