At Bottesford Schools Federation, we are committed to preparing our pupils for life in modern Britain. British values are promoted both within and beyond the classroom and sit at the heart of our ethos. As a federated Infant and Junior school working closely together, we ensure a consistent approach across school phases so that every child develops the knowledge, skills and character to become a responsible, respectful and active citizen.

Our rationale

We promote British values through our everyday practice, curriculum and wider school life. These values are embedded within our federation vision “We RISE together” and our federation values of Respect, Integrity, Strive and Empowered.  This alignment helps pupils make meaningful links between moral purpose and day-to-day choices.

The Department for Education requires schools to promote the fundamental British values of:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

We use these as a framework to help pupils understand their rights and responsibilities and to equip them to contribute positively to society.

Intent — what we aim to achieve

Our intent is to deliver a 21st-century education that develops knowledge, skills and values so that pupils leave Bottesford as caring, responsible citizens. Specifically, we want every pupil to:

• Understand how citizens can influence decision-making through democratic processes.
• Appreciate that living under the rule of law protects people’s wellbeing and safety.
• Know that freedom of belief and faith is protected in law.
• Accept and respect people of different faiths and beliefs (or of none), and reject prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
• Be able to recognise and challenge discrimination.

These aims are reflected in our mission “We RISE together” — doing what’s right, helping others and reaching our best — and are reinforced through the ways we teach, govern and engage with our community.

Implementation — how we teach British values

British values are taught explicitly and implicitly across the federation:

• Curriculum links

  • British values are embedded across subjects (core and foundation) and reinforced through RE and RSE. For example, history and citizenship units explore democracy and the development of laws; literature and collective reading promote empathy and respect for different perspectives.
  • Reading sits at the heart of our curriculum, supporting pupils to access diverse stories and cultures which deepen tolerance and understanding.

• Pupil voice and democracy

  • We actively encourage pupil voice: school councils, classroom discussions and pupil-led projects give children opportunities to express views and influence decisions. Communication is a key driver of our curriculum.
  • Every pupil in Year 1-6 is part of the Bottesford Leadership Team. This means they have a role and voice for democratic decision-making e.g. school council, house captains, reading rangers, eco-warriors, events team etc

• Rule of law and routines

  • Clear school rules and restorative approaches teach pupils why rules exist and how they keep everyone safe and learning. Lessons and assemblies explicitly link school rules to wider societal laws and personal responsibility.
  • Behaviour expectations reflect our RISE values — Respect, Integrity, Strive and Empowered — and we celebrate pupils who demonstrate them.

• Individual liberty and empowerment

  • We encourage pupils to make safe, informed choices, take responsibility for their learning and for everyone to take on a leadership role.
  • Opportunities for independent learning, creative projects and extra-curricular clubs support confidence and self-expression.

• Mutual respect and tolerance

  • Celebrations of cultural and religious festivals, visits, visitors and carefully chosen texts broaden pupils’ understanding of different beliefs and ways of life.
  • Our inclusive approach ensures pupils with SEND and those eligible for pupil premium are supported to take a full part in school life; our teaching is adapted to meet individual needs and promote equity.

• Community involvement

  • We work with families and the local community to make a positive difference locally — from community projects to charity events — demonstrating our value of working together and reinforcing civic responsibility.

How this links to our federation vision and values

“Our Vision — We RISE together” is reflected in the way British values are lived in school:

• Respect — we celebrate difference and teach pupils to treat others with kindness.
• Integrity — pupils learn honesty, responsibility and fairness through daily practice.
• Strive — resilience and perseverance are encouraged in learning and character education.
• Empowered — pupils are given voice and leadership opportunities to act responsibly in school and the community.

British values are integral to life at Bottesford Schools Federation. By embedding democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect within our curriculum and school culture — and by aligning these with our RISE values — we aim to develop confident, compassionate and responsible young citizens ready for life in modern Britain.