St. William of York Catholic Primary School is committed to serving its local community and surrounding areas. It recognizes 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 radicalization by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them.

The 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. It seeks to serve all.

The Government emphasizes 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 of those of different faiths and beliefs

The school does, through a wide range of activities, secure such standards and uses strategies within the National Curriculum and beyond to secure such 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.

Subject studies: Developing the skill base required to access/share information, make/express decisions and apply themselves to society and the world. These include the understanding and use of money, effective writing and reading skills, collaborative work, to discuss and research ideas and concepts, and gain a broad and balanced understanding of the society in which they live. Aspects of study beyond core skills include historical and geographical context of the United Kingdom, incorporating local and national evolution, as well as international comparisons.

Whole school daily acts of collective worship: The sharing of stories, images, events, music and expectations that, with clarity and precision, promote the values expressed. Such proceedings vary in the methodology of delivery in order to secure interest and understanding and are designed to impact on children regardless of knowledge, experience or cognitive maturity. As a Catholic school collective worship is mainly of a broadly Christian character but recognizes that those attending may have a wide range of faiths, or none. We promote the Christian values of love, friendship, hope, forgiveness, respect, thankfulness, trust etc. which are underpin British values and way of life.

Religious Education: Gaining a greater understanding of Christianity and the religious diversity and practices of the key religions represented in the UK. Planning for the subject is through the Come and See programme of study.

Physical Education: Promotion of the concept of ‘fair play’, following and developing rules, inclusion, celebrating and rewarding success, promotion of good sportsmanship 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.

Should you feel that the school is not meeting any of the requirements set out under the “Prevent Strategy” which is referred to above then please contact the school office and arrange a meeting 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 or Chair of Governors.