LEARN MORE ABOUT
British values
As a community academy we believe
We have a vital role in combating discrimination and promoting fairness, justice, and equality through our teaching
The Government defined its concept of ‘British values’ in its 2011 Prevent strategy, and since 2014 the Department for Education has required all academies 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”.
Our academy has a wonderfully diverse community and welcomes and values everyone, whatever their ability, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, or background. Currently, we have pupils and families who originate from many different countries worldwide. As a community academy, we believe we have a vital role in combating discrimination and promoting fairness, justice, and equality through our teaching and in the role models we offer. We teach our pupils to be responsible citizens and positive representatives of the United Kingdom within the wider world.
Promoting British values is, therefore, an intrinsic part of all we do. We expect that these values and attitudes are modelled and promoted by all the staff, allowing pupils to see and hear these values in action every day.
We promote ‘British values’ through our spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education which is developed through all curriculum areas and in all aspects of school life.
How We Embed British Values at Lantern
Our approach to British Values is holistic and integrated across the curriculum, as well as in daily school life. Here’s how we bring each of these core values to life at Lantern Primary Academy:
- Democracy: At Lantern, pupils actively participate in democratic processes. Through our school council elections, every child has the opportunity to vote for their school council representatives. We encourage children to have a voice in key decisions such as choosing new playground equipment or leading on fundraising initiatives. This involvement teaches them the importance of making collective decisions and respecting others’ opinions.
- The Rule of Law: The importance of laws and rules is consistently reinforced through our curriculum, assemblies, and everyday interactions. Children learn the reasons behind laws, the importance of following them, and the consequences of breaking them. We have built a positive relationship with the local police and community officers who ae a very visible body within our community. They join the children for lunch, play with them on the playground and deliver assemblies and workshops on community safety and the justice system, helping pupils understand how laws protect individuals and communities.
- Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs: Lantern Primary and Nursery celebrates the rich diversity within our community. Through our Religious Education (RE) curriculum and daily interactions, children gain a deeper understanding of different religions, cultures, and beliefs. We have built strong links with the local church and other religious leaders who have representatives that come into school and lead assemblies, run workshops, listen to children read and support learning in RE lessons. Children also have opportunities to visit places of worship, enhancing their understanding and fostering tolerance and acceptance.
- Mutual Respect: Respect is one of our core values at Lantern, and it is central to our interactions. We teach children to respect others, regardless of differences in opinion, background, or beliefs. This principle is embedded in our school culture, where pupils are encouraged to listen, support each other, and celebrate diversity.
- Individual Liberty: Children are encouraged to make choices and take responsibility for their actions in a safe and supportive environment. We teach them to understand their rights and personal freedoms and guide them on how to exercise these safely, both online and offline. Through lessons on online safety, for example, pupils learn how to make informed decisions and understand the consequences of their choices.
