At Our School

We are a large school with a strong and proud heritage. At Shotton Primary School we believe that children should be proud of their achievements, successes and individuality. Our visions and values should always be at the core of everything that we do. They underpin our teaching and learning, and provide an environment which prepares our pupils as confident, happy citizens.

We all have rights and responsibilities. Everyone at Shotton Primary School has the right to:

• Be treated with fairness and respect.

• Learn.

• Be listened to.

• Be safe and happy.

At Shotton Primary School everyone has the responsibility to help our pupils to grow into confident, caring and responsible young citizens both within school and the wider community. By learning about their rights and responsibilities, children gain an understanding of the importance of respecting the rights and responsibilities of others. As such the promotion of Children’s Rights and ‘British Values’ are an intrinsic part of our ethos and school culture, where pupils are encouraged to reflect upon how their choices, behaviours and actions affect those around them.

What are British Values?

The Government has stated that British Values are:

• Democracy

• The rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.

How Do We Promote British Values?

Our School Principles of

• Being respectful

• Being responsible

• Being ready to learn

clearly underpin British values and they are reinforced regularly through the relationships, language and attitudes in school as well as through many practical opportunities:

Democracy: Article 12 (UNCRC) states that ‘children have the right to have a say in matters that affect them’.

Our School has a well-established system of democratic elections for various Pupil Committees such as the School Council and Eco Warriors. Pupil Voice is a growing strength of the school. Our pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Their views are sought and they have the opportunity to vote on matters that are important to them within classes. Senior leaders talk to our children about aspects of their learning and life in school.

The Rule of Law: Article 41 (UNCRC) states that ‘if the laws of a country protect children better than the articles of the Convention then those laws must stay in place’.

School teaches children that everyone, children and adults alike are to be given respect. Adults are the duty bearers to ensure that children can access their rights and therefore must be respected as Article 3 states that ‘adults must act in the best interests of the child’.

As a core School Principle, respect is built into everything we do and say.

As a school we have clear rules and children understand that these link directly to our school values and principles. They are directly supported to understand that there are responsibilities that come with the rule of law which is there to protect them and others. Visits from organisations such as the police and fire service help to reinforce important messages.

Individual Liberty:  Article 2 (UNCRC) states that ‘The Convention applies to everyone: whatever their race, religion or abilities, whatever they think or say, whatever type of family they come from’.

School had an inclusive approach where all children are recognised as individuals and their individual potential is ‘grown’. Pupils should always be supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. We encourage children to take responsibility for their behaviour, as well as knowing their rights.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance: Article 14 ( UNCRC) states that ‘every child has the right to think and believe what they want and to practise their religion as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights’.

Assemblies and Collective Worship teach respect for all.

R.E. lessons and themed days teach children about other faiths, culture and traditions, such as St George’s Day and Diwali. PSHCE is an important part of our curriculum.

Curriculum topics encourage the celebration of similarities and differences.

As a school we mark and celebrate local, national and global celebrations and events, such as:

• The lighting of our village Christmas tree, Remembrance Weekend, Centenary of World War I, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Royal Weddings, Olympics, Battle of Waterloo, St George’s Day, Diwali, Chinese New Year and our annual carol service.

As a school we provide children and our community with clear opportunities to make a positive contribution through direct involvement in charitable activities such as:

• Collections for Durham Food Bank, Children in Need, MacMillan Coffee Mornings and Save the Children Wear a Christmas Jumper Campaign.

As a school we actively seek to strengthen our partnerships within the community through:

• Community Events such as Harvest Lunch, and Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day lunches, parent and child play and stay sessions including phonics, regular visits to the local library, community performances and Christmas and Summer fayres.

• Phoenix Fire Champions Project

• Organising after school events.

• Building links with local community action groups and local schools through the Peterlee Partnership.

Combating Extremism

We ensure that partisan political views are not promoted in the teaching of any subject in school. Where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils, reasonably practical steps will be taken to offer a balanced presentation of opposing views to pupils.

Stereotypes should always be challenged and also through SMSC/PSHCE/Sex and Relationships Education work and assemblies. Stereotypes based perhaps upon gender, religion, race or sexuality will be challenged through SMSC/PSHCE work, assemblies and curriculum work including literacy and cross curricular texts and also by means of appropriate discussions and general interactions with children.

Staff act as responsible, positive role models. They are required to remain vigilant to the possibility of extremism and reasonably practical steps will be taken to offer a balanced view of opposing views to pupils. Partisan/extreme political views should never be promoted in the teaching of any subject.

Staff are required to be vigilant to the possibility of children accessing or sharing materials likely to promote extreme views. Such materials may be paper-based or computer based including through children's use of social media. Staff will always bring any materials and/or concerns to the attention of the Head Teacher or in her absence, the Deputy Head Teacher, who will act upon information appropriately. Such materials are viewed as a safeguarding concern. 

All school staff have undertaken PREVENT training, which is regularly updated.