As early years practitioners in a diverse, multicultural and vibrant society, we understand the deep impact that early education has on shaping the values and behaviours of future generations.
British Values have become a key part of this journey, helping to nurture a sense of belonging, respect, and understanding in young children. In this article, we’ll dive into the importance of not just teaching but promoting British Values in early years settings, explore how these values contribute to our society, and share practical tips on how to embed them into everyday practice.
What Are British Values?
British Values are a set of principles identified by the UK government as crucial for maintaining a fair, democratic, and united society. First introduced in 2011 as part of the Prevent strategy, these values are highlighted in the Department for Education’s guidance.
The core British Values are:
Democracy: Understanding the importance of making decisions together, respecting the views of others, and recognising that everyone’s opinion counts.
The Rule of Law: Recognising the need for rules and laws to maintain order and fairness, and understanding the consequences of breaking them.
Individual Liberty: Encouraging freedom of choice, allowing children to develop their own beliefs and values, and respecting others’ rights to do the same.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and for those without faith: Promoting an inclusive environment where children learn to respect and tolerate those with different faiths, beliefs, and cultures.
Of course, these values aren’t just abstract ideas; they form the foundation of a peaceful and thriving society. By nurturing these values in children from an early age, educators will play a vital role in shaping a future generation that is respectful, responsible, and ready to make positive contributions to the world around them.
The Role Of Early Years Settings
In the early years sector, we are in an extremely advantageous and unique position to be able to introduce and reinforce British Values. During these formative years, children are highly impressionable, and the experiences they have can significantly influence their future attitudes and behaviours. By embedding British Values into the curriculum and daily activities, we can help children develop a strong moral compass and an appreciation for the diverse world around them.
British Values are important in early years education for:
Building a Strong Moral Foundation: Teaching British Values in early years settings helps children develop a sense of right and wrong. Understanding concepts like fairness, respect, and tolerance from a young age lays the groundwork for ethical decision-making and empathy towards others.
Fostering Social Cohesion: In a multicultural society like the UK, it is vital that children learn to appreciate and respect different cultures and beliefs. By promoting mutual respect and tolerance, early years settings can help reduce prejudice and discrimination, contributing to a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Preparing Children for Life in Modern Britain: British Values are not just about understanding the past; they are also about preparing children for the future. As they grow, children will encounter a diverse range of people and situations. By teaching them the importance of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and respect, educators equip children with the skills they need to navigate these complexities successfully.
Promoting Emotional and Social Development: British Values are closely linked to children’s social and emotional development. For instance, learning about democracy and making decisions as a group helps children develop confidence, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively. Similarly, understanding the rule of law helps them develop self-discipline and an understanding of boundaries.
Practical Ways To Embed British Values In Early Years Settings
Embedding these crucial values doesn’t require a separate curriculum or rigid lessons. Instead, these values can be naturally integrated into everyday activities and interactions.
Some practical strategies you can adopt include:
- Creating a Democratic Environment: Encourage children to participate in decision-making processes, such as choosing activities or deciding on rules for the classroom. This not only helps them understand the concept of democracy but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility.
- Teaching the Rule of Law Through Play: Use games and role-playing activities to teach children about rules and laws. For example, setting up a pretend police station or court can help children understand the importance of rules in keeping everyone safe and fair.
- Encouraging Individual Liberty: Provide opportunities for children to make choices and express their opinions. Whether it’s selecting a book to read or choosing how to complete a task, giving children autonomy supports their sense of individual liberty and self-confidence.
- Promoting Mutual Respect and Tolerance: Celebrate cultural diversity by exploring different traditions, languages, and foods. Encourage children to share their own experiences and listen to those of others. Storytime can be an excellent opportunity to introduce books that discuss different cultures and lifestyles, helping to foster understanding and empathy.
- Modelling Positive Behaviour: Children learn a great deal by observing the adults around them. Early years practitioners should model behaviours that reflect British Values, such as fairness, respect, and kindness. This consistent demonstration of values helps reinforce their importance in everyday life.
- Engaging with Parents and the Community: It is important to involve parents and the local community in promoting British Values. This could include inviting parents to share cultural traditions, organising community events, or discussing how British Values are implemented at home. Collaboration between early years settings and families ensures a consistent message and reinforces the importance of these values.
Promoting British Values in early years settings is not just a statutory requirement; it is a crucial part of nurturing well-rounded, empathetic, and responsible individuals. As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that every child can learn about and embrace these values, creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all. By embedding these values into the daily life of early years education, we can help children develop a strong moral foundation, appreciate the richness of diversity, and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of life in modern Britain.
