Fundamental British Values At Nancy Reuben Primary School

At Nancy Reuben we define Fundamental British Values in line with national guidance as: 

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect for and tolerance towards those with different faiths and beliefs

At NRPS, we promote these values to children at every opportunity including in lessons and especially in assemblies.

At Nancy Reuben we integrate the ancient but eternal teachings of our Sages with the values that are expected of every British citizen.   Pirkei Avot literally 'Chapters of the Fathers' but often called 'Ethics of our Fathers' is, among other things, a comprehensive manual in correct and just behaviour between people.   Our teaching at school across Kodesh and secular, draws on timeless Torah wisdom in  and fuses them with key aspects of British Values as defined in documents published by the British Government and our Rabbinical Leadership.

A commitment to high standards in interpersonal relationships and good citizenship is not a secular concern but a religious imperative.

Fundamental British Values 

דינא דמלכותא דינא first and foremost the old established Jewish teaching "dina d’malchuta dina - The law of the land is the law" is the basis of all our teachings at school.

Democracy    

In Early Years (EYFS) children begin to learn everyone is treated equally and has equal rights. Linked with children's personal, social and emotional development (PSED) children have opportunities to develop their self-confidence and self-awareness, to make choices and decisions about what they want to explore and how they're going to use the resources staff have made accessible to them.

At Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils have opportunities to learn about democracy at the time of Elections and from  visits of local politicians like the Mayor of Barnet and mock elections.  

When the Mayor visited, the children asked some very good questions. This was a great way for the children to learn about democracy in action 

Pupils influence decision-making through the school with the participation of the House Captain Leadership Team.   Pupils also have a voice through the weekly Head Teachers’ Tea Party.

The Rule of Law    

In Early Years (EYFS) through personal, social and emotional development (PSED) children begin to learn to manage their own feelings and behaviour: learning right from wrong, behaving within agreed and clearly defined boundaries and dealing with the consequences.

From Key Stage 1 and through Key Stage 2, Children at Nancy Reuben learn about the laws that govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and that there are consequences when laws are broken. This is first developed through an understanding of class and school rules.

We then further develop this understanding through visits from police and others in the community who help us.   We run the Bikeability Cycling Programme for pupils and Street Awareness training opportunities run by Community Security Trust and Streetwise develop these themes further.  Younger pupils learn about safety and how to behave with the help of visits from the emergency services, such as the Fire and Ambulance services.

Individual Liberty    

In Early Years (EYFS) this value is embedded within personal, social and emotional development (PSED) and Understanding the World. For individual liberty we focus on children's self-confidence and self-awareness and people and communities. We help children to develop a positive sense of themselves.   Through the daily opportunities we provide, we are helping our children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and increase their confidence in their own abilities. When we share a favourite book with a child we are giving children the time and space to explore the language of feelings and responsibility; reflect on their differences and understand that we are all free to have different opinions.

From Key Stage 1 and through Key Stage 2 children are encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our online safety day and in class and whole school RHE and PSHE discussions. The many extra-curricular and enrichment activities provide children with opportunities to make choices.

Mutual Respect    

 Respect forms a central pillar of our school and ethos which is ואהבת לרעך כמוך

• Love your neighbour as you love yourself (Vayikra / Leviticus Chapter 19)

In EYFS children learn to treat others as they want to be treated, how to be part of a community, manage their feelings and behaviour and form relationships with others. 

From Key Stage 1 and through Key Stage 2 pupils are treated with respect and learn to treat each other and staff with respect. This is reinforced through our Behaviour Policy.   S

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Tolerance and respect for others is achieved through class-based lessons, through pupils’ knowledge and understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and the opportunity for pupils to experience such diversity, including visitors to school and class outings.  Our pupils make visits to National Institutions and Museums.   We celebrate and commemorate British Events such as Remembrance Day and other events of national significance.  All classes will be marking the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 with a range of special activities. 

Throughout the year, assemblies are held focusing on many aspects of tolerance, respect, different cultures and other aspects of British Values.