British Values

At St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, the promotion of British Values is central to our mission as a Catholic school. Rooted in our Gospel values and commitment to the dignity of every person, we actively promote the fundamental British values of:

• Democracy

• The Rule of Law

• Individual Liberty

• Mutual Respect

• Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

These values are reinforced through our curriculum, collective worship, relationships, policies and daily school life.

Safeguarding and Prevent

An important part of our safeguarding responsibility is ensuring that children are protected from being drawn into extremism or radicalisation. Through our robust safeguarding procedures, staff training and clear reporting systems, we ensure that any concerns are identified early and appropriate support is put in place.

All staff understand their duty to safeguard children and promote their wellbeing. We work closely with families and external agencies where necessary to ensure our pupils are safe, secure and supported.

Democracy

We actively teach pupils about democracy and ensure their voices are heard within our school community.

• Each class creates its own class charter or rules at the start of the year, with every child contributing.

• We have an elected School Council, where representatives are voted in by their peers. These councils meet regularly and play a meaningful role in shaping school initiatives and improvements.

• Pupils complete annual questionnaires to share their views about school life.

• Children are encouraged to express their opinions respectfully and to understand that everyone has the right to be heard.

Through these experiences, pupils learn how democracy works and why participation is important.

The Rule of Law

At St Bede’s, we consistently reinforce the importance of rules and laws at school, within our community and in wider society.

• Pupils are taught our School Rules from an early age.

• We help children understand that rules are in place to protect us, keep us safe and ensure fairness.

• Children learn about rights, responsibilities and the consequences of actions.

• Visits from external services, such as the police and fire service, help reinforce the importance of laws in society.

By understanding the purpose behind rules, pupils develop respect for the law and those who uphold it.

Individual Liberty

We encourage pupils to make informed choices within a safe and supportive environment.

• Through PSHE, Relationships Education and online safety lessons, pupils learn about their rights and personal freedoms.

• Children are supported to make responsible decisions and understand how to stay safe, including online.

• We foster confidence, independence and self-belief, helping pupils to develop their unique talents and interests.

Our aim is to empower children to exercise their freedoms safely and responsibly.

Mutual Respect

Mutual respect is at the heart of our Catholic ethos.

• Our behaviour policy clearly states that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and listened to.

• Pupils learn that their actions affect both their own rights and the rights of others.

• Positive relationships between pupils, staff and families are central to our school community.

• Respect is modelled consistently by adults and encouraged in all aspects of school life.

We expect all members of our community to treat one another with kindness, courtesy and understanding.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

As a Catholic school, we celebrate diversity and actively promote understanding of different faiths and cultures.

We follow the guidance of the Archdiocese of Liverpool and are implementing the Religious Education Directory, “To Know You More Clearly.”

• Reception to Year 4 pupils are taught using the RED curriculum.

• Year 5 and Year 6 continue to follow the Come and See programme during the transition period.

• Religious Education and PSHE lessons promote tolerance, understanding and respect.

• Pupils are encouraged to talk confidently and respectfully about their own beliefs.

We are proud to be an increasingly diverse school community, where children from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds learn together in harmony.

Our Commitment

At St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, British Values are not taught in isolation — they are lived out daily through our Catholic faith, our curriculum and our relationships. We are committed to preparing our pupils to be respectful, responsible and active citizens in modern Britain.