At Hillocks Primary we value the diversity of backgrounds of all our children, families and wider academy community.

Our academy reflects British values in all that we do. We aim to nurture our children on their journey through life so they can grow into safe, caring, democratic, responsible and tolerant adults who make a positive contribution to British society and to the world. We encourage our children to be creative, unique, open-minded and independent individuals, respectful of themselves and of others in our academy, our local community and the wider world.

At Hillocks, we actively promote British values in the following ways:

Democracy

  • All children are encouraged to debate topics of interest, express their views and make a meaningful contribution to the running of the academy on matters that directly involve children. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through child interviews.
  • The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies and special days.
  • Through class and school council children make decisions regarding a range of academy issues.

Rule of law

  • At the beginning of each academic year, staff and children agree rules which are integral to our learning and ethos.
  • Academy rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted. Children are always helped to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during assemblies and on the playground.
  • Children are encouraged to respect the law and Hillocks enjoys visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service to help reinforce this message.
  • The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero tolerance baseline for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to children, staff and families.

Individual liberty

  • Within the academy, children are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment – for example they can sign up for extra-curricular clubs.
  • Children are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
  • The use of ‘restorative justice’ allows children to ‘make amends’.
  • Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety teaching and PSHE lessons.
  • Vulnerable children are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the academy and all forms of bullying are challenged and addressed. The academy logs incidents of bullying and the academy governing body takes an active role in monitoring these.
  • Children have key roles and responsibilities in the academy – for example reading buddies and lunchtime servers.

Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

  • Respect is one of the core values of our academy. Children know and understand that it is expected that respect is shown to everyone, adults and children.
  • Children are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
  • Staff and children are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
  • Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship. For example, members of different faiths or religions are invited to the academy to share their knowledge and enhance learning within assemblies and in class.
  • Through the PSHE and RE curriculums, children are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
  • Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.
  • We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected. ‘Cultural Week’ offers us the opportunity to celebrate our academy’s diversity, when visits are made and members of our academy community are welcomed in to share their heritage/culture.