Clanfield CE British Values
The Department for Education in November 2014 published guidance on promoting British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain.
All schools have a duty to ‘actively 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. These values were first set out by the government in the ‘Prevent’ strategy in 2011.
At Clanfield CoE School we strive to ensure these values are embedded in school and reinforced regularly. These values are not mutually exclusive to the Christian values and ethos we encourage and nurture as a church school, exemplified in our school vision and aims.
Our Big Black Floor Books celebrate all the work we do and our SIAMs report mentions links and evidence to the information below.
British values are threaded throughout our PSHE lessons as outlined in this document.
In the following ways Clanfield CE aims to:
“Create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation 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.”
Democracy
We have moved away from a School Council and now include everyone in a team to make decisions. See https://www.clanfieldprimary.co.uk/Young-Leaders/ Applications are made for Head Boy and Girl and interviews are held. Peer Mentor applications are also held.
The leadership teams at Clanfield plays an active part in the school community with every child in a group having a voice. Children have an understanding of their responsibility and opportunities to make school life better. We also have four houses in school. Houses are represented by a year 6 Captain and a Vice Captain, these positions are re-elected each year and every child places a vote.
Pupil voice is an integral part of our learning processes. For example pupil interviews with governors have provided the opportunity to assess and develop the excellence and enjoyment of the curriculum as well as share places where they do not feel safe.
Our children regularly have the opportunity to engage in the process of debate. (e.g. English book - The Other Side of Truth, pupils explore themes of migration, political unrest, and human rights, developing empathy and critical thinking and this linked to being Lawyers in Nigeria).
Within our curriculum provision our children are taught about and encouraged to respect public institutions and services. As a church school we have strong links and respect for the church as an institution. The understanding and respect of the institution of marriage is explored in both KS1 and KS2 RE curriculum which was considered strong at the SIAMs inspection in 2025.
The Rule of Law
At Clanfield CoE School the importance of laws are held in high regard both those that govern classroom and school life or the country. Children’s experience of being part of a school community means they learn to live by guidelines and rules that make for safe and fulfilling relationships for all. These are summarised in the school 3 rules of being ready, respectful and safe. The children at are all included in the decision making process that takes place in each class to draw up the class rules/charter that will enable their class to work together effectively. The children are taught the values and reasons behind school rules, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules are broken.
Our foundations as a church school children develop their understanding of the role of rules to govern society through the learning about the Ten Commandments and the five pillars of Islam as part of the RE curriculum. Throughout the year we welcome visits from members of the wider community and people from other faiths e.g. Rabbi visit to KS1/Reception in 2025.
Individual Liberty
Clanfield CoE School aims to provide all pupils with the ‘good soil and nutrients' through exciting and challenging learning experiences; ensuring that all achieve their potential.
Our Christian values are an integral element of our school community. The school upholds and promotes each individual’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural values within the context of the Christian ethos.
In partnership with pupils, staff, governors and parents we will provide safe, secure, inclusive and joyful learning experiences for all.
Our 3 Christian values which are an integral element of our school community are:
- Hope
- Compassion
- Courage
All at Clanfield work to create a positive culture in our school, so that children are in a safe environment where choices and freedoms are encouraged. Within lessons learning is personalised according to our children’s needs and abilities. They understand they may have to take appropriate risk and may have to congratulate and be proud of a more successful peer on some occasions. Individual success is acknowledged in our weekly celebration assemblies and termly All about Us celebrations.
The school does not tolerate bullying (including cyber bullying) and we follow a strict and robust anti-bullying culture. All staff use restorative strategies and the Behaviour Policy is regularly reviewed and updated. This allows our children to feel safe and secure at school.
Through our E-Safety, RE and PSHCE and Collective Worship, we educate children on their rights and personal freedoms as well as supporting them in recognising how to exercise these freedoms safely.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
The school ethos embraces mutual respect and children are actively taught that their behaviours can affect their own rights and those of others. It is understood across the entire school community that all members treat each other respectfully. Our School Aims specifically state the aim ‘to promote pupils to develop respect for others and their beliefs and cultures.’ The RE curriculum makes provision for children to understand and respect those of different faiths and beliefs.
As a church school we regularly visit our local village church to hold school services at Christmas, Easter and Harvest. We are lucky to welcome a variety of visitors from a range of communities and organisations into school. The school is developing a link with a school in Ukraine.
All children in school actively become involved supporting a variety of charities throughout the school year. For example Children in Need, Sports/Comic Relief and MacMillan. We support the local soup kitchen, work alongside Clanfield allotment and recycling team, support Witney Foodbank and Homelessness Toiletry boxes....the list goes on.
