Fundamental British Values

a ‘Rights Respecting School’

At Montacute School, Fundamental British Values and children’s rights underpin our culture, curriculum and relationships. We celebrate the diversity and differences of all of our pupils and believe that inclusion, respect and equality make our community stronger.

The Department for Education defines Fundamental British Values as:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

In line with DfE expectations, these values are actively promoted through our curriculum, our Preparing for Adulthood pathways and our whole school ethos.

Democracy

Democracy at Montacute means ensuring every pupil has a voice and experiences genuine choice and control, at a level appropriate to their communication needs.

We promote democracy through:

• Our Pupil Parliament, with representatives (including our very own Prime Minister) from across the school
• Whole school votes and collective decision making
• Person centred EHCP reviews
• Total Communication approaches enabling all pupils to express preferences
• Self advocacy development through PSHE and Preparing for Adulthood

For some pupils, democracy begins with making a supported choice; for others, it includes representing peers and contributing to whole school discussions. Every voice matters.

The Rule of Law

Pupils learn that rules and laws exist to keep people safe and ensure fairness.

This is taught through:

• Clear and consistent behaviour expectations
• Personal, online and road safety education
• Visits from emergency services
• Community based learning
• Work related learning and travel training

Through structured and sequential learning, pupils develop an understanding of how rules apply at school, at home, in the workplace and in the wider community.

Individual Liberty

We support pupils to develop independence, confidence and the ability to make safe choices.

This is reflected in our curriculum intent to develop confident individuals, successful learners and responsible citizens.

Individual liberty is promoted through:

• Daily opportunities for choice making
• Independent living skills
• Work experience and enterprise
• Emotional wellbeing check ins
• Personalised therapeutic support
• A strong focus on communication development

For many of our pupils, liberty means having the tools to communicate their needs, regulate emotions and advocate for themselves safely.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Respect underpins everything we do. We promote positive relationships, restorative approaches, anti-bullying education and celebration of achievement.

Through Religious Education and our wider SMSC provision, pupils learn about Christianity and other world faiths, key festivals, cultural traditions and the diversity within modern Britain. We celebrate the linguistic and cultural backgrounds of our families and ensure equality of access for all learners.

UNICEF Rights Respecting School – Working Towards Silver

Montacute School has achieved the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Recognition of Commitment and is now working towards the Silver: Rights Aware Award.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) underpins our approach to:

• Curriculum design
• Behaviour and relationships
• Pupil voice and participation
• Inclusion and equality
• Safeguarding and wellbeing

Children’s rights are explicitly referenced in assemblies, PSHE, Religious Education and across learning themes. Pupils learn that rights come with responsibilities and explore how their actions affect the rights of others.

Rights in Action

A key focus of our Silver journey is strengthening meaningful participation.

Through our Pupil Parliament, pupils:

• Contribute to school decision making
• Vote on whole school initiatives
• Discuss issues affecting their peers
• Lead projects linked to wellbeing and inclusion

All pupils are supported to express their views through adapted communication methods. In our special school context, participation may range from making a sensory choice to contributing to EHCP reviews or representing peers — every form of voice is valued and respected.

Our Commitment

Fundamental British Values and children’s rights are not stand alone lessons at Montacute; they are embedded across:

• PSHE and RSE
• Preparing for Adulthood pathways
• Community based and work related learning
• Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development
• Enrichment opportunities

We measure our success by how well our young people become active, included and responsible members of their community.

We are committed to ensuring that children’s rights are not an “add-on” but a lived experience for every pupil at Montacute School.