Democracy: making decisions together

We encourage children to see their role in the bigger picture, to know their views count, value each other’s views and values and talk about their feelings, for example when they do or do not need help. We support the decisions that children make and provide activities that involve turn-taking, sharing and collaboration. Children are given opportunities to develop enquiring minds in an atmosphere where questions are valued.

Rule of law: understanding rules matter

We ensure that children understand their own and others’ behaviour and its consequences, and learn to distinguish right from wrong. We collaborate with children to create the rules and the codes of behaviour, for example, to agree the rules about tidying up and ensure that all children understand rules apply to everyone.

Individual liberty: freedom for all

As a school, we allow children to develop a positive sense of themselves. We plan and provide opportunities for children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and increase their confidence in their own abilities, for example through allowing children to take risks on an obstacle course, mixing colours, talking about their experiences and learning.

We encourage a range of experiences that allow children to explore the language of feelings and responsibility, reflect on their differences and understand we are free to have different opinions during circle times and in our key worker groups. 

Mutual respect and tolerance: treat others as you want to be treated

We have created an ethos of inclusivity and tolerance where views, faiths, cultures and races are valued and children are engaged with the wider community.

We discuss similarities and differences between themselves and others and among families, faiths, communities, cultures and traditions and share and discuss practices, celebrations and experiences.

We explain the importance of tolerant behaviours such as sharing and respecting other’s opinions.

We promote diverse attitudes and challenge stereotypes, for example, sharing stories that reflect and value the diversity of children’s experiences and providing resources and activities that challenge gender, cultural and racial stereotyping.