Character Development
How we develop the whole child through British Values and SMSC, preparing learners to live safely, positively and purposefully in modern British society
Our Approach to British Values
There are five fundamental British Values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
At New Seeds Education, we embed these values intentionally through our curriculum design, therapeutic practice, behaviour systems and learner voice. These values are integral to British society and serve as guiding principles for citizenship and community life.
We monitor impact through behaviour data, engagement metrics, safeguarding processes, and learner feedback.
The Five British Values
Policy - Practice - Evidence
Democracy
This value emphasizes the importance of participation in the democratic process, where every individual has a voice and the right to vote in elections.
Policy / Intent
- Curriculum Policy: Pupil voice and curriculum co-construction
- Therapeutic Practice Policy: Learner agency, self-advocacy, emotional voice
- School values: Belonging, purpose, relationships
Practice / Implementation
- Regular learner voice forums and learner surveys
- Curriculum planning incorporating learner feedback
- Choice within subjects, enrichment and vocational pathways
- Restorative conversations where learners contribute to solutions
- PSHE, Citizenship and life skills lessons exploring democratic processes
Evidence / Impact
- Minutes from learner voice meetings
- Learner survey outcomes and action logs
- Lesson plans showing choice and discussion
- Restorative records demonstrating shared decision-making
- Observations of respectful debate and turn-taking
The Rule of Law
This principle ensures that laws govern society and that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law. It promotes fairness and justice.
Policy / Intent
- Behaviour, regulation and safeguarding policies
- Therapeutic Practice Policy: Predictable routines, restorative responses
- Curriculum Policy: Safeguarding through the curriculum
Practice / Implementation
- Clear, consistently applied classroom expectations
- Predictable routines supporting emotional safety
- Restorative approaches focusing on accountability and repair
- Explicit teaching of boundaries, rights and responsibilities
- PSHE and safeguarding curriculum covering law, consent and protection
Evidence / Impact
- Behaviour and regulation logs
- Restorative conversation records
- Lesson plans and PSHE schemes referencing rules and safety
- Staff training records (restorative practice, de-escalation)
- Learner reflection demonstrating understanding of fairness and consequences
Individual Liberty
This value supports the freedom of individuals to make their own choices and express their rights, as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others.
Policy / Intent
- Curriculum Policy: Personalised pathways and entitlement
- Therapeutic Practice Policy: Regulation, self-advocacy and choice
- Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) Framework
Practice / Implementation
- Individual curriculum plans aligned to EHCP outcomes
- Teaching of self-regulation strategies and emotional awareness
- Supported choice in learning, enrichment and vocational routes
- Explicit teaching of rights, consent and safe decision-making
- Use of the SEL Room as a voluntary, supportive regulation space
Evidence / Impact
- Personalised curriculum plans and EHCP reviews
- Regulation plans and learner self-reflection tools
- SEL Room logs showing voluntary, time-limited use
- Lesson observations showing learner choice and independence
- PfA outcomes demonstrating increased autonomy
Mutual Respect
This principle encourages respect for others, regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or lifestyles, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Policy / Intent
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion commitments
- Therapeutic Practice Policy: Dignity, inclusion and relational approaches
- School values: Respect, responsibility, resilience
Practice / Implementation
- Inclusive classroom environments and identity-affirming language
- Explicit teaching of empathy, respect and difference
- Restorative responses to conflict or discriminatory behaviour
- Staff modelling respectful communication at all times
- Celebration of individual achievements and strengths
Evidence / Impact
- Learning walk notes referencing inclusive language and culture
- Behaviour logs demonstrating restorative responses to incidents
- Learner voice reflecting increased empathy and respect
- Staff training records on inclusive practice
- Parent and carer feedback on school culture
Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
This value promotes acceptance and understanding of diverse cultures and religions, contributing to social harmony and cohesion.
Policy / Intent
- Curriculum Policy: Cultural capital and inclusive practice
- SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural) development
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion commitments
Practice / Implementation
- Curriculum content exploring diverse perspectives, cultures and beliefs
- Recognition and celebration of different faiths and festivals
- Open discussions about beliefs, traditions and worldviews
- Visits to places of worship and community engagement
- PSHE and humanities lessons on diversity and tolerance
Evidence / Impact
- Curriculum plans and text choices showing diverse representation
- PSHE and humanities lesson materials
- Enrichment logs showing cultural and faith-based activities
- Learner work demonstrating understanding of different beliefs
- Assembly and SMSC records
British Values Across the Whole School Culture
British Values are embedded throughout our entire college community, not just in isolated lessons
Policy / Intent
- Curriculum Policy: British Values embedded through intent, implementation and impact
- Therapeutic Practice Policy: Staff as therapeutic role models
- Safeguarding and behaviour policies
Practice / Implementation
- Staff modelling respectful communication and calm authority
- Consistent expectations across classrooms and sites
- Safeguarding education embedded across curriculum and assemblies
- Community participation, visits and enrichment
- Preparation for adulthood and life in modern Britain
Evidence / Impact
- Staff code of conduct and CPD records
- Learning walk and observation feedback
- Safeguarding curriculum materials
- Enrichment logs, trip records and community links
- Destination data and post-16 outcomes
Monitoring and Review
How we ensure British Values remain embedded and impactful
Our Monitoring Approach
- Termly review of curriculum, behaviour and safeguarding data
- Analysis of learner voice and engagement
- Review of incidents related to respect, fairness or inclusion
- Strategic action planning with British Values references
Evidence of Impact
- QA reports and review minutes
- Action plans with British Values references
- Data analysis showing improved engagement and behaviour
- Updated curriculum plans and staff training records