Children have many opportunities for their voices to be heard. Pupil questionnaires are regularly completed in which the children are able to put forward their views about relevant issues.  Pupils have the opportunity to run for School Council and take part in the democratic electoral process, nominating and selecting individuals to represent different year groups.

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make the correct choices safely through provision of a safe environment and empowering education.  Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedom.  They are provided with advice on how to exercise these safely, for example through our Online Safety Policy and various themed curriculum opportunities e.g. Equalities week.  Pupils are provided with many opportunities to make independent choices e.g. i.e. use of technology and participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs.

The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced.  Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws and rules. When employed effectively, they achieve positive outcomes for the whole school community. All children are aware of our school rules and expectations for behaviour and as a result behaviour is outstanding across the school.  Visits from the Police, Fire Service etc. are embedded in our practice and help reinforce this message. In Year 6 all pupils attend the annual Junior Citizenship event where strong relationships with some of these services are reinforced.

As a Christian community, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Pupils learn that their behaviours have an impact on themselves and others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect as we actively encourage children to live out our school motto of “Go Shine in the World” on a daily basis. This is promoted through staff modelling the behaviour, RE lessons, assemblies and prayer services. Pupils are encouraged to show respect to all members of the school and wider community.

The local area surrounding our school is socially, ethnically and culturally diverse.  As a Christian school we are fully aware of the importance of promoting tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs, in Autumn and Summer term there are two themed weeks; Judaism and Islam to reflect two of the larger faith groups within the local area.  Our RE teaching also reinforces this, with two weeks given to the study of two other faiths (Judaism and Islam) in some detail. Members of different faiths or religions (including staff members) are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.  In our library we also provide reading material on other faiths.