British Values and the United Nations
At Market Drayton Infant School, we are committed to promoting the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance. These values are woven throughout our curriculum, school ethos and daily interactions, helping our children understand how to be respectful, responsible and active members of society.
Our approach is closely linked to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which helps children develop an understanding of both their rights and their responsibilities. Through learning about children’s rights, pupils recognise the importance of being heard, staying safe, accessing education and treating others fairly. These principles support our values of Collaboration, Aspiration, Resilience and Positivity and encourage children to make positive contributions to their school and wider community.
Through pupil voice groups such as the School Council and Eco Council, children experience democracy in action by sharing ideas and helping to make decisions. They learn to respect different viewpoints, celebrate diversity and understand the importance of kindness, fairness and inclusion. By linking British Values with the UNCRC, we empower our pupils to become caring, confident and responsible citizens who are prepared for life in modern Britain and an increasingly interconnected world.
Democracy
At Market Drayton Infant School, we promote democracy by ensuring that every child has a voice and opportunities to contribute to school life. Children take part in elections for the School Council and Safeguarding Board, learning about fairness, voting and representation through first-hand experiences of the democratic process. Democracy is further developed through class discussions, assemblies and Parliament Day activities, where children learn how decisions are made and how they can make a difference within their community. We encourage pupils to take responsibility through roles such as Playground Buddies and Assembly Buddies, as well as participating in charitable fundraising events. Through our curriculum, children learn about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), understanding their right to be heard and the importance of respecting the views and rights of others. In History, pupils explore significant figures such as Emmeline Pankhurst and learn about the fight for voting rights, helping them develop an age-appropriate understanding of equality and democracy in modern Britain.
Rule of Law
At Market Drayton Infant School, we help children understand the importance of rules, responsibility and respect. Through our Relationships Policy, assemblies, circle time and PSHE lessons, pupils learn the difference between right and wrong and how their actions affect others. Children develop an understanding of rules both in school and the wider community through experiences such as PE, pupil leadership roles and visits from local professionals. As a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, we also teach children about their rights and responsibilities, helping them to become respectful, responsible and caring members of society.
Individual Liberty
At Market Drayton Infant School, we help children to understand and value individual liberty by encouraging them to make informed choices and take responsibility for their actions. Through learning about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), children develop an understanding of their rights alongside the responsibilities that come with them. Our CARP values and Personal Development curriculum promote independence, ambition and aspiration, encouraging pupils to believe in themselves and aim high. Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, including online, through dedicated lessons, assemblies and events such as Safer Internet Day. We foster an environment where pupils are empowered to express their own thoughts and opinions, whilst respecting the choices and viewpoints of others. By developing lifelong learning skills and reflecting on themselves as learners, children gain the confidence and resilience needed to make positive choices both in school and beyond.
Mutual Respect
At Market Drayton Infant School, mutual respect is at the heart of our school community and is embedded through our values, with Respect being a key principle that underpins all aspects of school life. We have high expectations for behaviour and relationships, supported by our Behaviour Policy and Single Equality Policy, helping children to understand the importance of treating others fairly and with kindness. Through our Personal Development curriculum, circle time sessions and assemblies, pupils learn to work cooperatively, celebrate similarities and appreciate differences. Children develop an understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), recognising both their own rights and the rights of others.
Our curriculum further promotes mutual respect through the study of different cultures, communities and religions, helping children to develop empathy and understanding of the diverse world around them. Links with the wider community, including visits and projects with Corbett Court and the Over 60s Club, provide valuable opportunities for children to build positive relationships across generations. Through fundraising for local, national and global charities such as Children in Need, Comic Relief, WWF and the Royal British Legion, pupils learn the importance of compassion, service and supporting others. These experiences help our children become respectful, caring and responsible members of society who embody our values of Collaboration, Aspiration, Resilience and Positivity.
Tolerance
At Market Drayton Infant School, we foster an inclusive environment where children learn to appreciate and respect different faiths, beliefs, cultures and ways of life. Through our high expectations for behaviour and our Equality, Diversity and Cohesion Policy, pupils are encouraged to treat everyone with kindness, fairness and respect. The teaching of Religious Education helps children develop an understanding of a range of religions and worldviews, while assemblies and cultural celebrations provide opportunities to learn about significant festivals such as Hanukkah and Chinese New Year.
Children’s understanding is enriched through visits from local religious leaders, educational visits to places of worship and experiences that celebrate cultures from around the world. Diverse countries and cultures are also explored through the wider curriculum, helping children develop curiosity and respect for the world around them. Through learning about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), pupils understand that everyone has the right to their own beliefs and traditions and that these should be valued and respected. These experiences help our children become thoughtful, open-minded and respectful members of a diverse society.
