Darley Churchtown CofE Primary School is committed to serving the community of Darley Dale, the parish and the surrounding areas. It recognises the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those it serves. It also understands the vital role it has in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.
The school, as a Church of England School accepts admissions from all those entitled to an education under British law, including pupils of all faiths or none. It follows the policies outlined by its governing body regarding equal opportunities, which guarantee that there will be no discrimination against any individual or group, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, political or financial status, or similar. Darley Churchtown CofE Primary School seeks to serve all.
Her Majesty’s Government emphasises that schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught in all UK schools. The government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy’ – values of:
Democracy
The rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect
Tolerance
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
This definition has been used in the Independent School Standards since January 2013. This definition remains the same in the new standards.
Should you feel that the school is not meeting this requirement, you should contact the school office and request to express your concerns with the Headteacher. Likewise, if you feel that anyone working at the school is, intentionally or otherwise undermining these values, you should report this to the Headteacher as soon as possible.
The school does, through a wide range of activities, secure such standards and uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure appropriate outcomes for children. The list below outlines samples of when and where such British Values are shared. The list is not exhaustive, and represents only some of what we do.
Religious Education
Gaining a greater understanding of religious diversity and practices, which covers key religions represented in the UK. (The Derbyshire RE Syllabus which we have adopted within our RE scheme is designed to encompass and study all other major faiths and belief systems).
Physical Education
Promotion of the concept of ‘fair play’, following and developing rules, inclusion, celebrating and rewarding success, being magnanimous in defeat and participation in activities that promote kinship and affiliation with others.
School Council
Promotion of democratic processes, fostering the concept and application of freedom of speech and group action to address needs and concerns. Key to this is the concept of holding others to account, including those in positions of authority and influence.
For more information about how the school seeks to represent key British Values, contact the school office and a member of staff will be happy to provide further information.