Rights Respecting School and British Values
Our Mission Statement
What God has created, we nurture and celebrate in His love.
Our mission statement reflects our belief that every child is uniquely created by God and worthy of dignity, care, and respect. Guided by our Christian values, we nurture the whole child and create a community where everyone can flourish.
We are committed to being a Rights Respecting School, embedding children’s rights at the heart of our ethos, policies, and practice. This approach supports pupils in understanding justice, equality, and responsibility, and encourages them to act with compassion and courageous advocacy for themselves and others.
British Values in Our School
In line with statutory requirements, we actively promote British Values, ensuring that pupils are prepared for life in modern Britain. These values are taught through our curriculum, collective worship, behaviour expectations, and our Rights Respecting School approach.
The promotion of British Values is closely aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and supports our Christian vision.
Democracy
Children are encouraged to express their views and participate in decision-making. Through School Council, class discussions, pupil voice activities, and collective worship, pupils learn that their opinions matter and that everyone has the right to be heard (UNCRC Article 12). This helps children understand democratic processes and respect the views of others.
The Rule of Law
Clear rules, expectations, and consequences help pupils understand the importance of laws in keeping people safe and ensuring fairness. By linking school rules to children’s rights and responsibilities, pupils learn that rules exist to protect everyone’s rights and wellbeing. This reflects the right to protection and helps children develop respect for authority and justice.
Individual Liberty
We teach pupils that they have rights, choices, and responsibilities. Children are supported to make safe and informed decisions, express themselves appropriately, and develop independence. This links to the right to education, safety, and personal development, empowering children to grow in confidence while understanding boundaries.
Mutual Respect
Respect for others is central to our Christian ethos. Through daily interactions, collective worship, and curriculum learning, pupils learn to treat others with kindness and fairness, recognising that everyone is made in the image of God. This aligns with the right to be treated fairly and promotes positive relationships across the school community.
Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
As a Church school, we teach children to be open, curious, and respectful towards people of all faiths, cultures, and worldviews. Pupils learn about diversity through RE, PSHE, and wider curriculum experiences, developing understanding and empathy. This supports the right to equality and freedom of belief, preparing children to live harmoniously in a diverse society.
Children’s Rights in Our School
You will see a Children’s Rights logo displayed throughout the school whenever a specific right is being referenced. This provides a visible reminder that all children have rights and that these rights are respected, protected, and promoted within our school.
Why We Teach Children About Their Rights
By learning about the UNCRC, children develop an understanding of their own rights and the rights of others. This enables them to:
These principles support children in becoming responsible members of society who live out our Christian values in their daily lives.
Further Information
For more information about Rights Respecting Schools, please visit:
https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/
A child-friendly version of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is available at:
https://www.unicef.org.uk/what-we-do/un-convention-child-rights/