At Dormansland the principle of democracy is consistently reinforced, with the democratic process being employed for important decisions within the school community. For instance, elections are held for our House captains and vice captains and for the membership of our School Council. The principle of democracy is explored in History and RE lessons, and often forms the basis of our assemblies.

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies. Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service, are regular parts of our calendar and help to reinforce this message with children of all ages.

Children are actively encouraged to make independent choices, knowing that they are in a safe, secure and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for children to make choices safely.  They are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and receive advice about how to exercise these safely, for example through our exploration of online safety in computing or when working as part of a group on a range of problem-solving activities.

Respect is at the core of our school ethos and is modelled by staff and children alike. The school promotes respect for others and this is reiterated through our classroom and learning environments. In line with our commitment to democracy, children are able to voice their opinions and we foster an environment where they feel safe to disagree with each other. Mutual respect is embraced throughout the curriculum from the concept of ‘fair play’ in PE to a number of ‘buddy’ programmes which promote mutual respect between children across different year groups within the school.

We believe that children need to develop the ability to understand their place in a culturally diverse global society. We aim to give them as many opportunities as possible to experience such diversity within the school community.  Children and their families are actively encouraged to share their faith and beliefs at Dormansland. Our RE curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures.

At Dormansland School, all staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability.