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 2014 Early Years Foundation Stage.
At Mountford House we already support British Values through a number of policies and procedures including:
- Equal Opportunities/ Inclusion and Equality Policy
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Policy
- Parents and carers as partners
British values will also be supported through our daily routines as follows;
Democracy: making decisions together
As part of the focus on self-confidence and self-awareness (PSED)
We will encourage children to know their views count, value each other’s views and talk about their feelings, for example when they do or do not need help. When appropriate demonstrate democracy in action, for example, children sharing views on what book we will focus on, through a show of hands. Staff will support the decisions that children make and provide activities that involve turn taking, sharing and collaboration. Children will be given support and opportunities to develop their enquiring minds in an atmosphere where questions are valued.
Rule of law: understanding rules matter
As part of the focus on managing feelings and behaviour (PSED)
The team will support children to understand their own and others’ behaviour and its consequences, and learn to distinguish right from wrong. We will support children with understanding expectations of behaviour whilst in nursery. Staff will collaborate with children to create the rules and the codes of behaviour, for example, to agree the rules about tidying up and ensure that all children understand rules apply to everyone.
Individual liberty: freedom for all
As part of the focus on self-confidence & self-awareness and people & communities (PSED & UTW)
Children will be supported to develop a positive sense of self. Staff will provide 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, mixing colours, talking about their experiences and learning and using our Persona Dolls and puzzles to discuss similarities and differences between people, cultures and communities. Staff will provide a range of experiences that allow children to explore the language of feelings and responsibility, reflect on their differences and understand we are free to have different opinions, for example in a small group discuss how they feel about transferring to school.
Mutual respect and tolerance: treat others, as you wish to be treated
As part of the focus on people & communities, managing feelings & behaviour and making relationships (UTW&PSED)
Our Management team will create an ethos of inclusivity and tolerance where views, faiths, cultures and races are valued. Children will be supported to acquire a tolerance and appreciation of and respect for their own and other cultures; know about similarities and differences between themselves and others and among families, faiths, communities, cultures and traditions and share and discuss practices, celebrations and experiences. Staff will encourage and explain the importance of tolerant behaviours such as sharing and respecting other’s opinions. Staff will promote diverse attitudes and challenge stereotypes, for example, sharing stories that reflect and value the diversity of children’s experiences and providing resources and activities that challenge gender, cultural and racial stereotyping.
At Mountford House we will also promote our duty, under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act “to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. If you would like further information please contact the Nursery Manager.