At Mapperley Plains, we help children understand how to play a positive part in school, their community and wider society.

Fundamental British values are not taught as a separate topic. They are developed through our curriculum, assemblies, relationships, behaviour expectations, safeguarding education and the opportunities children have to contribute to school life. From Nursery onwards, children learn to listen to others, take turns, make choices, follow fair rules and understand how their actions affect other people.

This connects closely with the Mapperley Mission: Be kind. Be curious. Be my best.

Our mission helps children understand how to treat others, ask thoughtful questions, make responsible choices and contribute to their community.

Democracy

Children learn that their views matter and that good decisions involve listening to different points of view.

They experience democracy through class discussions, voting, School Council and pupil leadership. Children can take on roles such as house captains, food ambassadors, play detectives and diversity champions. School Council representatives are chosen by their peers and help to share children’s ideas, questions and concerns.

Across the curriculum, children are encouraged to explain their thinking, listen carefully and disagree respectfully. They also learn that a democratic decision will not always be the choice they personally wanted, but that everyone has the right to be heard and treated fairly.

The Rule of Law

Clear and fair expectations help children feel safe and ready to learn.

Our behaviour expectations help children understand the difference between right and wrong and why rules are needed. Staff explain the reasons behind expectations and work to apply them fairly and consistently. Through PSHE, assemblies, online safety and the wider curriculum, children learn that laws protect people and help communities remain safe. They understand that choices have consequences and that everyone has a responsibility to consider how their actions affect others.

Children are also taught how to resolve disagreements, repair harm and ask a trusted adult for help.

Individual Liberty

Children are encouraged to become confident, independent and responsible.

Within clear and appropriate boundaries, they make choices about their learning, activities and participation in school life. They are taught how to express their views, ask questions, seek support and make informed decisions. Children also learn how to keep themselves safe. This includes learning about consent, personal boundaries, healthy relationships, online behaviour and trusted adults.

They learn that freedom comes with responsibility and that individual choices must not harm other people or deny them their rights.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

Respect is central to life at Mapperley Plains.

Children learn about people whose experiences, cultures, religions, families or views may be different from their own. They are expected to listen, show kindness and challenge prejudice, discrimination and derogatory language. Through Religious Education, PSHE, literature, history, geography, assemblies and wider experiences, children encounter a range of religions, cultures, families and ways of life. They are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, recognise similarities and differences and avoid stereotypes.

Children also develop an age-appropriate understanding of the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010. They learn why discrimination, harassment and prejudice are unacceptable and why everyone should be treated fairly. Respect does not mean agreeing with every opinion. Children learn that it is possible to disagree calmly and respectfully while still protecting the safety and rights of others.

British Values at Mapperley Plains

Fundamental British values can be seen through:

• the Mapperley Mission and our behaviour expectations

• School Council and pupil leadership

• assemblies and collective worship

• PSHE, Religious Education and the wider curriculum

• discussion, debate and decision-making

• equality, diversity and inclusion education

• online safety and safeguarding

• enrichment, visits and community experiences

• relationships between children, staff, families and the wider community

We want every child, including disadvantaged children and children with SEND, to be able to take part fully in the wider life of the school. Our aim is for children to leave Mapperley Plains able to think carefully, make responsible choices and treat others with kindness and respect. We want them to understand their rights, recognise their responsibilities and feel ready to play a positive part in modern Britain.