BRITISH VALUES
The Government have recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools and childcare providers to 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.”
The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy, and these values have been reiterated in 2015. At Nishkam Nursery these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy
At Nishkam Nursery democracy is taken very seriously. Children are actively encouraged to have a voice and share their views and opinions regularly. Their independence is actively encouraged by letting them choose what they want to play with and where they want to play, such as the garden and indoor play areas. Children serve themselves during lunch time and snack times. Each week key person’s carry out a circle time activity to introduce the theme. Children then tell staff their interests and ideas for the week and these are recorded on a weekly thinking sheet. These form the base for planning of the week.
Staff regularly talk to children to establish their views as a way of ensuring that nursery self-evaluation is robust and accurate, and therefore effective in moving the setting forward.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the rooms, the nursery, or the country, are consistently reinforced throughout the nursery day, as well as when dealing with behaviour. Children are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken. Our nursery rules, rewards and sanctions, referred to regularly and consistently upheld are a practical example of this.
Visits from authorities such as the Police and Fire Service help reinforce this message.
Individual Liberty
Within nursery, children are actively encouraged to make decisions and choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a nursery we educate and provide boundaries for young children to take risks and make choices safely. Children are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and advised how to exercise these safely, for example, when children choose activities and resources in the garden. Whether it be through choice of learning challenge or participation in activities, children are given the freedom to make choices and make decisions.
Mutual Respect
As a faith based nursery, mutual respect is at the heart of our values. Children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the nursery community treat each other with respect.
Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Nishkam Nursery is situated in an area which is not culturally diverse, therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Circle time activities are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within the nursery where possible.
At Nishkam Nursery we will actively challenge children, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including those expressing ‘extremist’ views.
PREVENTING RADICALISATION AND EXTREMISM
Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind.
Extremism is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views.
The Nishkam Nursery has a zero tolerance approach to extremist behaviour. We rely on our strong values to steer our work and ensure the pastoral care of our children protects them from exposure to negative influences.
Nishkam Nursery is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its children. As a nursery we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. At Nishkam Nursery all staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Where we feel concerned about the welfare of a child, we will follow our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
- Children are encouraged to adopt and live out our Core Values which come from our SACRE Dispositions. These complement the key “British Values” of tolerance, respect, understanding, compassion and harmonious living.
- Children are helped to understand the importance of democracy and freedom of speech, through PSED and Expressive Arts and Design.
- Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, in nursery and when using the computers.
- Children participate in local community events so that they appreciate and value their neighbours and friends who may not share their faith background.
- Children’s wellbeing, confidence and resilience is promoted through our planned learning opportunities.
- Children are supported in making good choices from a very young age, so they understand the impact and consequences of their actions on others.
THE ROLE OF THE CURRICULUM (EYFS)
Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. Children are encouraged to express themselves through discussions in circle time activities. Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural provision is embedded across the curriculum, and underpins the ethos of our nursery. Children learn about different faiths and visit places of worship wherever possible. They are also taught about how to stay safe when using the computer.
Updated April 2019
