British Values & Protected Characteristics

British Values

At Hullavington CE Primary and Nursery School, we are committed to preparing our children to become respectful, responsible and active members of society. We want every child to understand their rights and responsibilities, appreciate the importance of living alongside others and develop the confidence to make a positive contribution to their community.

As a Church of England school, our Christian values provide a strong foundation for this work. Friendship, Kindness, Trust, Love, Perseverance and Honesty underpin the way we treat one another and complement the fundamental British Values which we promote throughout school life.

These values are not taught in isolation. They are woven into our curriculum, collective worship, relationships and everyday experiences.

The five fundamental British Values are:

Democracy

We encourage children to understand that everyone should have a voice and that their opinions and views matter. Through opportunities such as school council, class discussions, voting and making shared decisions, children learn to listen to different viewpoints, express their own opinions respectfully and understand the importance of fairness and representation.

The Rule of Law

Children learn why rules and laws are important in keeping us safe and helping society to work fairly. Through our school expectations, behaviour policy and wider learning, we explore the difference between right and wrong, the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and the consequences of our choices. We help children understand that rules apply to everyone and that they are there to protect us.

Individual Liberty

We encourage children to become confident, independent learners who understand that they have choices and the freedom to make decisions within safe and supportive boundaries. Children are supported to develop their own interests, express their opinions and make informed choices, while understanding the importance of respecting the rights and freedoms of others.

Mutual Respect

Respect is central to life at Hullavington. We celebrate the different backgrounds, experiences, cultures and beliefs within our school community. Children learn to value one another, appreciate differences and treat everyone with kindness and consideration. We encourage positive relationships and teach children that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.

Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

We are proud of the diversity within our school community and encourage children to develop curiosity, understanding and respect for different faiths, beliefs and ways of life. Through our Religious Education curriculum, collective worship and wider learning opportunities, children explore Christianity and other religions and worldviews. We help children understand that people may hold different beliefs and that these differences should be approached with openness and respect.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Hullavington, we believe that every child and adult is unique, valued and deserving of respect. We are committed to creating an inclusive school where everyone feels safe, welcome and able to flourish, regardless of their background, circumstances or individual needs.

Our school community is made up of people with different experiences, cultures, languages, beliefs and family backgrounds. We see this diversity as a strength and an opportunity for everyone to learn from one another.

We want our children to grow up understanding that being different is something to celebrate, that everyone should be treated fairly and that prejudice, discrimination and unkindness have no place in our school.

We promote equality and inclusion through our curriculum, books and resources, collective worship, school events and the everyday interactions between children and adults. We challenge stereotypes, encourage positive relationships and help children develop an understanding of the world beyond their immediate experiences.

The Protected Characteristics

The Equality Act 2010 identifies nine protected characteristics. These are characteristics which are protected by law to help prevent discrimination and promote equality.

At an age-appropriate level, we help children understand what these mean and why it is important to treat everyone fairly and with respect.

The nine protected characteristics are:

Age – understanding that people of all ages should be treated fairly and with respect.
Disability – recognising that people may have different needs and abilities, and ensuring everyone has opportunities to participate and succeed.
Gender reassignment – understanding that people should be treated with dignity and respect, including those whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Marriage and civil partnership – recognising and respecting different family circumstances and relationships.
Pregnancy and maternity – understanding the importance of treating people fairly and with consideration during pregnancy and parenthood.
Race – celebrating different ethnic backgrounds, cultures, languages and heritage, and challenging racism and prejudice.
Religion or belief – respecting different religious beliefs, worldviews and those who hold no religious belief.
Sex – understanding that everyone should have equal opportunities and be treated fairly, regardless of whether they are male or female.
Sexual orientation – understanding that people may experience love and relationships in different ways and that everyone deserves kindness, dignity and respect.

We explore these themes sensitively and in ways that are appropriate to the age and understanding of our children. Our aim is to develop understanding, challenge misconceptions and ensure that every child feels accepted and valued.

Working Together to Make a Difference

Our vision is built on the belief that we are stronger together. Through our Christian values, our commitment to British Values and our celebration of diversity, we want our children to develop the knowledge, understanding and confidence to make a positive difference.

We want every child to leave Hullavington knowing that they matter, that their voice is important and that they have a responsibility to help create a world where everyone is treated with kindness, fairness and respect.

One Team. Working Together. Learning Together. Succeeding Together.