Democracy

At Chapelford Village Primary School, we believe everyone’s voice matters. As part of our core school value of Respect, we teach the importance of listening — encouraging children to share their ideas, listen to others, and respond with kindness and understanding. Our focus on developing oracy skills across the curriculum helps pupils speak confidently, express their opinions clearly, and listen thoughtfully — supporting their role in our democratic school community.

Children have many opportunities to make their voices heard. Each year, pupils vote to elect our School Council representatives and, in Year 6, our Head Boy and Head Girl. The School Council meet regularly to gather pupil voice, discuss key topics and plan fundraising events. We also have other leadership groups, such as our OPAL Ambassadors, which give more pupils the chance to share their views — particularly about playtimes and outdoor learning.

Democracy is part of daily life too. Pupils often take part in class votes, such as choosing Dojo Treat rewards or making group decisions together, helping them understand that their opinions really matter.

Rule of Law

We have a clear and consistent Behaviour Policy that is shared with all children from EYFS to Year 6. Expectations are reinforced by all staff, and positive praise and rewards are used consistently to celebrate good choices and achievements. This supports the British Value of the Rule of Law, helping children understand the importance of rules in keeping everyone safe, happy, and treated fairly.

Pupils who demonstrate exemplary behaviour are selected as Ambassadors, acting as positive role models for others. They use excellent communication and behaviour to provide care and support across the school. Our OPAL Ambassadors also help to ensure playtimes and lunchtimes are happy, fair, and inclusive for everyone. Through these roles, children see how rules and responsibilities helps the school community function, reinforcing their understanding of the Rule of Law in everyday life.

Linked to our core value of Achieve, we teach children to aim high through our teaching of aspirations and understand how to stay safe. Through our Safety Curriculum, pupils learn about the “People who help us” and the roles they play in our community. Visitors such as the police, fire service, and healthcare professionals bring this learning to life, helping children see how laws and rules protect and support everyone.

Individual Liberty

We help children understand and enjoy their rights and personal freedoms while teaching them to make safe and responsible choices through our values and safety curriculum. We provide a supportive environment where pupils can explore their independence, for example through discussions in e-safety, PSHE and RE lessons about making thoughtful decisions.

We celebrate and value the differences of all children and encourage them to try new experiences. A wide range of competitions and after-school clubs and activities allows pupils to develop new skills, interests, and confidence. We ensure equal opportunities for everyone by tracking engagement, promoting fairness and inclusion.

Mutual Respect

We teach children to value and respect the differences of others. All pupils help create school and class rules, understanding behaviour expectations and the importance of respecting themselves and others. Events such as Anti-Bullying Week and Remembrance Day, along with our Values Curriculum, reinforce kindness, tolerance, and fairness. English lessons and awareness assemblies help children understand different faiths, beliefs, and disabilities, promoting empathy and inclusion. 

Tolerance

We celebrate our multicultural community and help pupils understand their place in a diverse society. Children are given opportunities to experience and appreciate different cultures, faiths, and languages, fostering understanding and acceptance. For example, we celebrate European Languages Day and cultural events like Diwali and Lunar New Year, and invite parents to share their beliefs and experiences.

Through our RE curriculum, pupils have the opportunity to visit religious buildings and places of worship to gain first-hand experience and appreciation of different faiths. Assemblies, texts and class discussions address bullying and prejudice, and pupils from different backgrounds are invited to share their knowledge, enriching learning across the school.

These experiences link to our core value of Learn where we teach having an Open Mind, encouraging pupils to approach different beliefs and perspectives with curiosity, respect, and understanding.

 

Please click the link to view our Policies. Policy