Our Values Statement
We promote 'British Values' through our spiritual, moral, social and cultural education which permeates through the school's curriculum and supports the development of the 'whole child'.
We recognise that such development is most successful when those values and attitudes are promoted by all the staff and provide a model of behaviour for our pupils.
The curriculum in all phases offers broad and balanced opportunities.
'British Values' have been identified as:
The ability to understand and communicate are the most important areas of learning. We ensure that pupils are given a 'voice' to communicate. This 'voice' could be using words, objects, photographs, pictures, symbols, touch cues, eye pointing or body language.
We empower our pupils by giving them opportunities to make choices about the things that they believe to be important. By valuing each 'voice' and by listening and responding to that voice we demonstrate that we support democracy and liberty.
We listen to pupils' and parent's/carer's voice. We are clear in showing that we want our young people to contribute and co-operate and consider the views and needs of others. We have a school council which comprises of a child from each of the classes across the school. Our students come together to consider suggestions and developments to our school and school life.
We have an active School Council.
Rule of Law:
We involve pupils in setting codes of behaviour; helping pupils to make decisions and choices that are acceptable to the school community and society at large.
Pupils are helped to learn to manage their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions. Staff are committed to providing a consistent and predictable environment within the school and beyond. We can help some pupils to understand the connection between actions and consequences. This type of environment enables pupils to feel safe and secure; this in turn, promotes the optimum conditions for learning to take place.
Pupils are encouraged to become good and valued citizens. We do this by supporting each pupil to become as independent as possible. We endeavour to demonstrate that everyone has rights; this includes the right to say 'Yes' or 'No' to ideas or activities. Some pupils will be able to take responsibility for particular roles and to understand that with certain rights comes a level of responsibility. Learning to do things independently is an important part of learning to understand yourself. We support others by participating in charitable events such as, Red Nose Day/Comic Relief and Children in Need. We believe that engendering a caring and helpful environment and to be independent can boost and nurture a healthy self-esteem.
We promote each pupil's inclusion in activities, settings and locations that are appropriate to them individually to meet their needs. Within school, pupils work with a range of people and interactions with others are always positively promoted on a personalised basis for each individual. This may include taking part in community events and working with pupils from other schools and visits into the local community. etc. The curriculum is personalised and planned for pupils and may include transitioning within the range of resources and places on the site and going into the community to meet with a range of people in a variety of situations which include: sports events, community events and shared participation with other schools/colleges.
We believe it is important to facilitate opportunities to be part of the community as the pupils, families and staff have much to offer in the development of community cohesion.
Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs:
We are part of a school and local community where each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.
Cultural appreciation and development forms part of our curriculum. We place great emphasis on providing encounters and participation in events and celebrations to broaden all pupils'experiences and awareness of others.
Our Assemblies help all pupils to find out about themselves and others linking their lives to the communities in which they belong. The themes cover areas such as: friendships, helping others and celebrations from a range of faiths and world events.
Pupils are encouraged to experience British Culture through our curriculum themes. For example, pupils have visited many local places. As a school, we take part in sporting activities which helps to instil 'fair play' and engender a 'team spirit'.
Although some of our pupils may find it difficult to articulate their feelings and concerns; staff are attuned to changes in demeanour and well-being that may indicate anxiety. If they are concerned about a pupil our accepted practice links to the Safeguarding Policy which entrusts a duty of care to all staff to actively protect and promote the welfare of children.
The staff work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that the pupils at Old Park School are happy, well cared for and enabled to learn the skills they need to live a fulfilling life as part of their community.