The DfE reinforce 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.”
At St Herbert’s these values are reinforced regularly through our mission “ Strong in Faith, Hope & Love for the common good”, and across our Curriculum.
Our Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection report (November 2023) found:
“At St Herbert’s, everybody is welcomed, respected and valued. At the centre of this are pupils who tell us they feel safe, cared for and as a result they are extremely happy at school. At every opportunity the children eulogise about their school and the opportunities afforded to them, they are rightly proud of their fully inclusive school.”
Democracy
We encourage all of our children to get involved with the running of their school and provide them with lots of opportunities to show how they can influence decision making giving them a strong voice in the school through a wide range of council including: School Ambassadors, Eco Warriors, GIFT Chaplaincy team, Sports Leaders, Subject Leaders & Digital Leaders.
We also use pupil voice every half term across all ages and phases in the school to ensure that they all get the opportunity to provide feedback and commentary on what works well in the school.
Members of our School Ambassadors and GIFT Team go through a democratic process whereby they apply for the position and have to think about the contribution they will make to our school community.
This is extended to our parents who are also encouraged to participate in decision making within our school through PFA (Friends of St Herbert’s), parent surveys, parent workshops etc.
Our staff are excellent role models who develop strong, respectful relationships with one another, the children and parents. We encourage an open door policy to discuss any concerns and work together to resolve them.
Rule of Law
We discuss with our children the need for rules and boundaries. Laws provide us with protection, they help us to take responsibility for our actions and realise that there are consequences.
We ensure our core values are at the heart of what we teach. Respecting one another and the world around us.
Our expectations for behaviour are clear and consistent across school. We work closely with the children so they understand their rights and their responsibilities for the choices that they make.
We promote respect for those who enforce the law and encourage a strong link utilising various external workshops.
Individual Liberty
Through our Mission statement, Ethos and School Promises, we encourage our children to take responsibility for their own actions but to also expect to be treated with respect from others.
We do not tolerate bullying of any kind and this is dealt with quickly.
We provide a safe and supportive environment where a positive growth mindset is enabled and our children are encouraged to be independent in their thinking and learning.
We provide guidance on how to make safe choices through e.g.: Ongoing eSafety awareness (including celebrating Safer Internet Day), whole school worship, Anti-bullying week, road safety, cycling proficiency, swimming tuition, mental health awareness, and our Relationships, Health & Character Development Curriculum.
Mutual Respect
Respect is a key part of our expectations for behaviour and is known and understood by all our children. Children are encouraged to demonstrate respect for everyone they meet and to respect the environment in which we live.
Children learn that how we treat one another has a direct impact on the way we in turn are treated.
If children are not showing respect for one another we encourage others to speak out and help others to see why their actions are inappropriate.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
As a Catholic community, children are reminded of their place in a culturally diverse society. This is achieved through our Religious Education Curriculum and the spiritual life of our school.
We actively celebrate diversity and equality. We have strong links with local schools both primary and secondary as well as developing links with other places of worship and cultural centres. Through other faith work, each year group learns about another faith and their beliefs allowing the children to compare and contrast cultures and beliefs and promotes tolerance and respect for others.
We actively promote respect for individual differences.
Through class and whole school worship, we promote the diversity of society and the rights of each person to be respected and valued equally regardless of ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.
Through our expectations for behaviour we challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour of any kind.