At Heymann, we believe passionately about challenging and supporting every child to reach their potential.

Our vision:

Inspiring and motivating our children to be the best they can be

Our aim:

to provide a positive, safe and nurturing environment so our children can:

  • Achieve their individual potential.
  • Develop respect for themselves, others and the environment.
  • Develop their skills and knowledge to lead a safe and healthy life.
  • Become self-confident, responsible and independent.
  • Develop a positive approach to mental health and understand themselves.
  • Be proud of who they are and what they have achieved.

Ultimately, we want our children to have happy, memorable experiences of school life and be kind, caring and respectful members of the community.

Promoting British Values at Heymann Primary and Nursery School

The DfE have 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. At Heymann these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy:

Democracy underpins a lot of the work we undertake with our children. Pupil voice is a crucial part of our ethos and we are proud to ensure ALL children’s voices are heard. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our School Council, Rushcliffe Pupil Parliament (RPP), contributions to interviewing new staff and Pupil questionnaires. Elections for School Council representatives, Green Group members and Junior Road Safety Officers are undertaken in each class and representatives are chosen from the School Council to represent Heymann at the RPP. Children vote each half term for the children to be awarded the ‘Children’s Choice Award’. Children are always able to voice their opinions and we foster an environment where children are safe to disagree with each other and develop an understanding of different points of view, respectfully. Our curriculum specifically studies democracy within certain year groups.

 

The Rule of Law:

The importance of Laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are reinforced throughout our curriculum, as well as when dealing with behaviour, and through school assemblies. The school’s behaviour and relationship philosophy has at its core the principle of making the correct choices in life and children understanding the implications if the wrong choices are made. Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Visits from authorities such as the Police, Fire Service etc. are regular parts of our calendar and help reinforce this message.

Individual Liberty:

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 advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our e-safety and PSHE lessons. Whether it be through choice of challenge, of how they record work, of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs and opportunities, pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Our assembly themes also address human rights and equality and why these are important

Mutual Respect:

Running through the heart of our school philosophy and vision is respect. This is consistently and frequently discussed with the children through our RHSE/PSHE lessons, assemblies, class, School Council and Green Group. Our behaviour and relationship policy is based around ensuring all children respect one another and can value each other as individuals.  This is reiterated through our school rules. We regularly take part in Show Racism the Red Card and Black History month to help to develop children’s respect of each other. Our inclusive ethos and work to support local and national charities promotes understanding and respect for different groups in society.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

This is achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity.  Assemblies and discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based bullying have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE/RHSE. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children present assemblies about their own religions and we celebrate differences. We value the different cultures, languages spoken and religions which make Heymann special to develop tolerance and understanding of each other.