British Values Statement

At Vermont School, our values of Belong, Believe and Achieve guide everything we do. We help every young person feel that they belong to a caring school community, believe in themselves and their future, and achieve success in ways that are meaningful to them.

Our work is rooted in the Thrive Approach, where every child feels safe, special, and has their needs met. We build trusting relationships, teach children how to manage feelings, and help them to grow into confident, respectful, and caring members of society.

Through this, we promote the five British Values identified by the Department for Education: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs, in a way that supports our pupils’ social, emotional and mental health.

1. Democracy – Having a Voice and Feeling Heard

At Vermont School, children learn that their opinions matter.They take part in class meetings, school council votes, and group decisions, learning that everyone’s voice is important. Adults listen carefully to pupils’ views, showing them that being heard helps us all to feel we belong. This helps pupils build confidence and understand how teamwork and fairness help communities work well.

2. The Rule of Law – Understanding and Following Rules

We teach children that rules keep us safe and help everyone to learn and play happily together. Through Thrive sessions and class discussions, pupils explore what fairness looks like and why consequences matter. They learn to repair and rebuild relationships when things go wrong. Understanding and following rules helps pupils to believe in fairness, respect, and responsibility — both in school and in the wider world.

3. Individual Liberty – Making Safe and Kind Choices

Children are encouraged to make choices and express themselves freely, within a safe and supportive environment. Through our Thrive-based curriculum, pupils learn to recognise and manage their emotions, understand boundaries, and take positive risks. We help every child feel special and confident that their voice and choices matter.They learn that freedom comes with responsibility — to themselves and to others.

4.  Mutual Respect – Treating Everyone with Kindness

Respect is at the heart of Vermont School. Adults model respect through calm communication and genuine care. We help children understand that showing kindness and empathy helps everyone feel that they belong. When mistakes happen, we use restorative approaches so pupils can reflect, repair and rebuild.
Respect is not just a rule,  it’s a way of being together.

5. Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs – Learning About Our World

We celebrate differences and help children explore the rich mix of cultures, faiths and traditions in our community. Through RE, assemblies and shared celebrations, pupils learn that everyone’s story matters. We teach that understanding others helps us to live peacefully and appreciate what makes each of us unique. This helps pupils to believe that they have an important place in the world.

6. Living British Values Every Day

Our curriculum, assemblies, and daily routines help pupils achieve personal growth and lifelong learning skills. We promote British Values through:

• The Vermont Pathways Curriculum – supporting each child’s EHCP and emotional development
• PSHE, RE and Thrive sessions – teaching empathy, resilience, and reflection
• Assemblies and celebrations – highlighting fairness, freedom and diversity
• School council and pupil voice – giving children real opportunities to influence change

By embedding these values, Vermont School ensures that every child feels safe, special, and ready to belong, believe and achieve.