For our school, effectiveness is measured by the quality of the education that we offer our pupils. The understanding that governors, senior leaders and teachers have of the purpose and nature of the education they are providing, and the values which underpin it, determine the ethos and often the standards in our school.

Our values aim to promote spiritual and moral development and are rooted in the Bible, many being drawn from the teaching of Jesus. They can therefore be described as Christian Values, though may also be seen as touching on what it means to be a responsible citizen.

It has become increasingly evident over recent years that schools that are confident and clear about their values are happy, purposeful, thriving learning communities.

Each half term we will focus on a different value.

Home-school Values

For each value a double-sided A4 sheet, packed full of fun things to do together as a family, is sent home to parents and can also be uploaded.

These are a valuable resource to enable staff, parents and children to explore Christian values together. We recognise the importance of the home/school relationship to explore, nurture and live out these values in everyday life. This quality resource from Imaginor is how we hope to encourage this to happen. It uses both Bible and secular stories alongside a range of fun, interactive and reflective activities catering for a variety of learning styles and stages of development.

Fundamental British Values

At Boothstown Methodist we promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We actively promote these values and challenge opinions or behaviours in school that are contrary to these fundamental values.

Our school 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 citizens who make a positive difference 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 school, our local community and the wider world.

At Boothstown Methodist, 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 school on matters that directly involve pupils. Children also have the opportunity to have their voices heard through pupil questionnaires and Pupil Voice sessions.
• The principle of democracy is explored in the curriculum as well as during assemblies, worship and special days.
• Our Behaviour policy involves rewards which the pupils have discussed and created.
• Boothstown Methodist pupils have had active involvement in the selection processes of council members and in some cases supported with the appointment of staff.

Rule of Law

• Our school has a set of core rules , which are integral to our learning and ethos every day.
• School rules and expectations are clear, fair and regularly promoted. In addition, each class creates their own class charted
• Pupils are always supported to distinguish right from wrong, in the classroom, during collective worship and on the playground.
• Pupils are encouraged to respect the law, understanding that it used to protect us and keep us safe.
• Pupils are taught about religious laws through Religious Education lessons.
• The Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies set out a zero tolerance for any form of aggression, abuse or violence, which extends to pupils, staff, parents and carers.

Individual Liberty

• Within school, pupils are actively encouraged, and given the freedom to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.
•  Pupils are supported to develop their understanding that it is their responsibility, as children of God, to look after and care for His creation.
• Pupils are supported to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour and our pastoral support reinforces the importance of making the right choices.
• Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our digital safety teaching and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) lessons.
• Vulnerable pupils are protected and stereotypes challenged. A strong anti-bullying culture is embedded in the school and any form of bullying is challenged and addressed. The school also operates a robust system of logging incidents.
• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school e.g. Council Members, Classroom Monitors, Playground friends,

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

• Respect is one of the core values of our school. The pupils know and understand that respect should be shown to everyone, adults and children.
• Pupils are supported in the understanding that we are all God's children and are made in His image and likeness, all of equal value. 
• Pupils are helped to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and other cultures and ways of life.
• Staff and pupils are encouraged to challenge prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
• Links and visits are promoted with local faith communities and places of worship.
• Through the PSHE and RE curriculums, pupils are encouraged to discuss and respect differences between people, such as differences of faith, ethnicity, disability, gender or sexuality and differences of family situations.
• Collective Worship and discussions involving prejudices and prejudiced-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in Religious Education (RE) and PSHE.
• We offer a culturally rich and diverse curriculum in which all major religions are studied and respected and global dimension work embedded in many of our Creative Curriculum topics and whole school enrichment days/weeks.

Radicalisation and Extremism

All staff know that they must be aware of any signs of radical or extremist views, as outlined in the ‘Prevent’ agenda. All adults, including Governors, are vigilant and know to report any concerns about views/behaviours expressed by a child or anyone connected to a child to the Designated Leaders for Safeguarding.