British Values

Promoting Fundamental British Values

At Edith Moorhouse Primary School, our motto "Reach for the Stars" and our commitment to respectful relationships guide everything we do. In accordance with the Department for Education’s guidance, we actively promote fundamental British values to ensure our pupils develop into confident, compassionate, and responsible citizens prepared for life in modern Britain.

We are proud of our diverse and vibrant school community, including our strong ties with RAF Brize Norton and local families. We ensure our children understand that while people may hold different beliefs and backgrounds, everyone in our society deserves respect, kindness, and equal protection under the law.

The Five Core British Values & How We Promote Them

1. Democracy: Having a voice and making decisions together

We believe that every child’s voice matters. Through democratic experiences, pupils learn how they can make a positive impact in their community and beyond.

• Pupil Leadership: Children elect representatives democratively to our School Leadership Team and student ambassador roles, such as Eco Chapmpions and STEM Ambassadors.

• Class & School Decisions: Pupils regularly contribute ideas on playground improvements, charity fundraising, and classroom agreements.

• Curriculum & Assemblies: Through our PSHE/RSE curriculum and assemblies, children explore how parliament works, why voting matters, and how fairness shapes communities.

2. The Rule of Law: Understanding boundaries, rules, and responsibility

School life at Edith Moorhouse is grounded in a calm, safe, and positive environment where children understand the reasons behind rules and consequences.

• School & Class Charters: At the beginning of each year, classes discuss and establish their rules based on safety, fairness, and mutual care.

• Understanding Consequences: Children are taught right from wrong, learning to take personal accountability for their choices and actions.

• Community Connections: We welcome visits from community figures such as local police officers, PCSOs, and emergency services to discuss the rule of law in wider society.

3. Individual Liberty: Freedom to make safe, thoughtful choices

Within a nurturing framework, children are empowered to make informed, independent decisions and discover their own unique strengths.

• Safe Decision-Making: Pupils make daily choices about their learning, reading materials, and extracurricular activities.

• Staying Safe: Through e-Safety lessons and PSHE, pupils learn how to assert their rights, establish healthy boundaries, and protect their wellbeing both online and offline.

• Encouraging Individuality: We celebrate individual talents, encouraging every child to aim high, express themselves, and persevere through challenges.

4. Mutual Respect: Treating others as we wish to be treated

Respectful relationships are at the heart of our school ethos and the River Learning Trust principles.

• Inclusive Ethos: Kindness, good manners, and collaboration are explicitly taught and consistently celebrated in our classrooms and on the playground.

• Restorative Approaches: When disagreements occur, we guide children to listen to one another, repair relationships, and understand the feelings of others.

• Teamwork & Sportsmanship: Whether working in pairs or representing our school in sports and arts, pupils learn to support, encourage, and respect their peers.

5. Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs: Embracing diversity and celebrating difference

We foster open-mindedness and appreciation for the rich diversity of beliefs and worldviews in modern Britain.

• Religious Education (RE): Our RE curriculum covers the major world faiths and secular worldviews, encouraging thoughtful questioning, empathy, and reflection.

• Celebrations & Awareness: We learn about and celebrate festivals from around the world (e.g., Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Lunar New Year).

• Challenging Prejudice: We proactively challenge stereotypes and discrimination, creating a welcoming, safe environment where every family feels valued.

Further Information

To learn more about our commitment to an inclusive environment for every child, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement (Visit Key information, policies) or explore our PSHE & Curriculum Intent (Visit Key information, subjects).