Fundamental British Values. What is this?

Fundamental British Values have been embedded in the Early Years Foundation Stage since 2014. In the Early Years these are explored in ways that are meaningful to the children.

The Fundamental British Values are:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Democracy

Democracy is where we make decisions together. It’s about making sure that everyone has equal rights and is treated equally.

Each child’s views matter, and its important to share and collaborate to make decisions together.

A few examples on how this looks at our setting.

• By offering children choices so that they have some control over their lives. This supports and develops independence and making good choices is an essential life skill.
• We let children know that their views and opinions matter. This is done by following their interests and encouraging them to make requests.
• We have group time and circle time to promote turn-taking. This encourages children to listen to each other and value everyone’s views and ideas.
• We offer opportunities for children to take turns and share in a range of activities and experiences.
• We give children a chance to vote for what story or song to sing they may like by raising their hand.
• We have created a safe space were children can share ideas, ask questions, consider alternative courses of action, make mistakes and try again
• We encourage children to make decisions together.

The rule of law.

This is about understanding that rules matter in our society and some rules have to be followed. At Early Years level it’s about cause and effect and that our actions

have consequences, what’s right and wrong.

A few examples on how this looks at our setting.

• We talk about the rules and why we have them and ask children to come up with rules too, so that everyone is kept happy and safe.
• We encourage children to share, take turns and cooperate.
• We have created an environment in which actions are followed through. Conflicts are resolved and requests are responded to.
• We help children to stay safe and how they can resolve conflict.
• We encourage and support children about learning what is right and wrong. Is that a good choice or not a good choice?
• We invite outside people in like the police so children can learn about their job and the rule of law.

Individual Liberty.

This focuses on freedom for everyone. We look at how we can give children a positive sense of themselves promoting their self-confidence and self-awareness.

We build on language skills and look at children being able to name and understand their emotions so they can communicate effectively.

A few examples on how this looks at our setting.

• We role model feelings language as this is crucial to the child’s self-confidence and awareness.
• We believe in child-led play so they can explore their own interests and schemas and are not limited by gender or other stereotypes.
• We allow children to have favourite things and explore them. Let them mix colours with their hands, read them their favourite book over and over again.
• We acknowledge and celebrate their achievements to develop their sense of pride and to give them a positive sense about themselves.
• We allow children to ask questions and that their ideas and opinions are valued and respected
• We teach them to listen to each other and respect the fact that others may have different views and ideas.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs.

There should be an environment that encourages tolerance of all faiths, cultures, races, and views along with an understanding of our differences and similarities.

In other words treat others how you would like to be treated.

A few examples on how this looks at our setting.

• We help children to understand our similarities and differences through drawing pictures of ourselves and our friends.
• We celebrate some key festivals with the children so they have better knowledge and understanding that some people celebrate in different ways.
• We help and support children to make friendships and have respectful relationships with each other
• We provide opportunities to make links with the wider community by going out on walks and inviting others in.