The fundamental British values of:  democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs are already implicitly embedded in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

So, what does promoting British values at Elgin pre-school actually involve and how can we make sure we are meeting this requirement? Taking each value in turn, here are some of the ways we support this:

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Democracy

 

• Let children know their views count and encourage everyone to value each other’s opinions and values. We can help demonstrate democracy in action, for example, by letting children share views on what activity should come next with a show of hands.

• We provide activities that involve turn-taking, sharing and collaboration

• By giving children opportunities to develop inquiring minds by creating an atmosphere at your setting where all questions are valued.

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Rule of Law

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• Ensuring that children understand their own and others’ behaviour and its consequences, helping them to distinguish right from wrong

• Working with children to create the rules and the codes of behaviour, such as agreeing the rules about tidying up, and also ensuring children understand that the rules apply to everyone.

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Individual liberty

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• Providing opportunities for children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and increase their confidence in their own abilities, for example, through allowing children to take risks on an obstacle course and talking about their experiences and learning

• Encouraging a range of experiences that allow children to explore the language of feelings and responsibility, reflect on their differences and understand everyone is free to have different opinions.

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Mutual respect and tolerance

 

• Encourage and explain to children about the importance of tolerant behaviours, such as sharing and respecting each other’s opinions

• Promote diverse attitudes and challenge stereotypes, for example, by sharing stories that reflect and value the diversity of children’s experiences

• Provide resources and activities that challenge gender, cultural and racial stereotyping

• Create an ethos of inclusivity and tolerance at your setting where views, faiths, cultures and races are valued

• Arrange visits whereby children can engage with the wider community

• Encourage children to acquire a tolerance, appreciation and respect for their own and other cultures by discussing with children the similarities and differences between themselves and others; and among families, faiths, communities, cultures and traditions

• Share and discuss practices, celebrations and experiences

 

This list is not exhaustive, everything we do at Elgin pre-school has these disciplines embedded in all our play and learning.