The DfE have recently reinforced the need "to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to 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."

The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated by the Prime Minister this year. At St. Joseph's these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council and Pupil surveys. Head Boy and Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girl and two Sports Captains were elected by the pupils.

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout regular school days, as well as when dealing with behaviour and through school assemblies.

We constantly remind the children about the Gospel Values and emphasise that we all need to follow and demonstrate them as part of our Catholic Life.

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for young pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and we discuss how to exercise these safely, for example through our Computing (ICT) - E Safety, R.E. and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices.

Our school ethos and behaviour policy revolves around the Gospel Values, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what these mean and how they are shown. Posters around the school remind the children of the Gospel Values.

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of different cultural differences without Society. Children, through collective worship, R.E. and PSHE learn about and discuss other religious traditions.