BRITISH VALUES

British Values and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

We 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.

We believe that the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and our pedagogical approach (i.e. our approach for supporting teaching and learning) already provides a solid foundation to encourage a child’s understanding and acceptance that we live in diverse communities with many different cultures and lifestyles. 

Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedom. Children’s personal and social development is of paramount importance. Without self-confidence and self-esteem children cannot be effective learners and citizens of their community.

These are the ways we promote fundamental British Values: 

Democracy

We value and respond to the views of our children, their parents and stakeholders. We foster a sense of belonging to the school community and collaborate, innovate and share to forge strong partnerships.

The Rule of Law

We consistently reinforce our high expectations of children and these are set out in our Behaviour Policy.  Staff constantly model our 'Nursery Golden Rules' in their everyday work with the children to help them to learn mutual respect and understand right from wrong. 

Individual Liberty

We promote a 'community of enquiry' where children are provided with opportunity to become clearer, more accurate and more aware of others arguments and values before reaching conclusions. We do this through 'Philosophy for Children'.  Children are actively encouraged to make choices and know that they are in a safe and supportive environment.  We educate, and provide boundaries for the children so that they can make choices safely. Children are supported to understand their own rights and freedom.

 Mutual Respect

Our ethos is based on core values, one of which is respect.  We expect children to learn to care for others, to share and to listen to each other.  Staff help children to understand how to respect by talking about how actions and words can affect others, and by modelling this in their relationships with each other.  They teach children to respect the natural environment and learn about the world in which they live.

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Children are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance.  The curriculum is planned specifically to be inclusive by celebrating a range of cultural festivals throughout the year.  We encourage parents and carers to support and participate in our events together as a community.  

We will ensure that British values are promoted also through:

• Our vision and values
• Our Image of the Child
• Our policies and our procedures
• Our links with the local community
• The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum 

If you would like more information please click here for the DfE Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools.