Promoting Fundamental British Values

At Mesne Lea Primary School, we are committed to actively promoting Fundamental British Values as outlined by the Department for Education. We believe it is essential that our pupils leave school fully prepared for life in modern Britain, equipped with the understanding, respect, and tolerance needed to thrive in a diverse society.

Our pupils are encouraged to appreciate and respect people of all faiths, races, and cultures. They learn that while individuals may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, everyone living in England is equally subject to the law. This foundation helps nurture responsible, respectful citizens who contribute positively to their communities.

The key British values we promote are:

• Democracy

• The rule of law

• Individual liberty

• Mutual respect

• Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Personal Development and Our School Values

Our exceptional personal development offer is central to helping children become well-rounded, confident individuals. We believe that academic success goes hand in hand with developing character and life skills, and this is reflected in our core school values: kindness, honesty, respect, resilience, and determination.

These values are embedded throughout the curriculum and daily school life, guiding how pupils interact, learn, and grow. For example:

• Kindness is encouraged through collaborative work, peer support, and community projects that nurture empathy and compassion.

• Honesty underpins our ethos of trust, where pupils are taught the importance of integrity in their actions and learning.

• Respect is shown not only for people’s differences and beliefs but also for the environment and school community.

• Resilience is built by supporting children to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and persist with a positive mindset.

• Determination drives our pupils to set ambitious goals and strive for continuous improvement in all areas of life.

Through this strong values framework, we ensure that personal development complements and enhances the promotion of British values and SMSC.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC)

At Mesne Lea Primary School, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development (SMSC) is the heart of our approach to education. It underpins our ethos and everyday life, helping nurture happy, safe, and ambitious learners.

Spiritual Development
We support pupils to:

• Explore beliefs, religious or otherwise, shaping their life perspective while respecting others’ feelings and values

• Experience a sense of wonder and curiosity about themselves and the wider world

• Use imagination and creativity in their learning and reflect on their experiences

Moral Development
Our pupils:

• Learn to distinguish right from wrong and apply this understanding in their lives, embracing honesty as a key value

• Consider the impact of their actions and show accountability

• Discuss ethical issues thoughtfully, reinforcing our values of respect and kindness

Social Development
We encourage pupils to:

• Use social skills in diverse settings, working cooperatively with peers from different backgrounds

• Participate positively in groups and resolve conflicts respectfully

• Understand community functioning at all levels, supporting responsible citizenship

Cultural Development
Pupils are guided to:

• Appreciate the diverse cultural influences that have shaped their heritage

• Engage in a wide range of cultural, artistic, and sporting activities

• Celebrate diversity with open minds and respectful attitudes

Through our integrated approach, combining personal development, SMSC, British values, and our school values, Mesne Lea Primary School ensures every child grows not only academically but also as a kind, honest, respectful, resilient, and determined individual, fully prepared for life’s challenges and opportunities.