We recognise the requirement from the Department for Education (inspected by Ofsted) to ensure children are protected from radicalisation by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them. We are committed to teaching the children in our care about British values which are embedded in everything we do. Ofsted guidance states that the requirement to teach children British values aims to “promote tolerance of and respect for people of all faiths (or those of no faith), cultures and lifestyles; and support and help, through their words, actions and influence within the school and more widely in the community, to prepare children and young people positively for life in modern Britain.” The government defines British values in the Prevent Strategy as:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty and personal responsibility
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different cultures, faiths and beliefs

To ensure we comply with these government requirements, we have reflected on our teaching and considered how we promote British Values in our provision.

Democracy –

• Children are treated with respect and dignity;
• Their views are requested and always considered;
• They are given choices about where they want to go and what they are doing;
• When we buy new resources or make changes to the provision children are consulted;
• We believe in free speech for all;
• When a child says ‘no’ we stop and think carefully about what we are asking them to do.

The rule of law –

• Children are taught about right and wrong and contribute to our behaviour goals;
• Children are encouraged to reflect on their behaviour during group activities using a book appropriate for their ages and stages of learning;
• Themes such as ‘people who help us’ support children to learn about the police and emergency services and their role in our society.

Individual liberty and personal responsibility –

• Children understand the need for rules to keep them safe;
• They support the younger children;
• They recognise the need to respect resources and equipment;
• Children’s successes are celebrated on the display board and in their Learning Journey files which are regularly shared with parents;
• Children are given shared responsibility for ensuring the provision is safe for everyone;
• Independence is promoted from the earliest age.

Mutual respect –

• We use role play and group sessions to teach children how to show empathy for and understanding of others;
• Personal, social and emotional development is embedded in our day-to-day curriculum;
• Children learn how they can share and take turns with others in respectful ways;
• Adults and older children are positive role models;
• Positive images and stories of disability promote equality of opportunity for all;
  Children are always spoken to respectfully;
• Close working partnerships with parents and other settings children attend help us to raise outcomes for all children;
• As part of our group activities support children to learn about British festivals such as St George’s Day, the London Olympics and special days celebrated by our British Royal family.

Tolerance of those of different cultures, faiths and beliefs –

• Children are taught about modern Britain through group activities which help them to learn in age-appropriate ways about their local area, art, history, special days and the country in which they live;
• We plan activities to help children mark special days from different religions, countries and cultures through group planning to teach them to respect the views and beliefs of others;
• The children learn about their place in the wider world through books, multicultural and diverse resources, displays and themed activities;
• We have links with our local community and children are taken on outings to learn about the area of Britain in which they live.