Ofsted added ‘British values’ explicitly to the Social strand of SMSC in its School inspection handbook 2014:
‘The social development of pupils is shown by their:
- acceptance and engagement with 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 pupils develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.’
There the Schools Inspection Handbook suggested that school leaders must demonstrate that they were addressing British values through the curriculum. However, this has changed in the School Inspection Handbook from September 2015:
‘Inspectors should consider how well leadership and management ensure that the curriculum:
… prepares pupils positively for life in modern Britain and promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith…
… actively promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.’
School Inspection Handbook for September 2015, paragraph 138; School Inspection Handbook 2014, paragraph 152