British Values and the EYFS
Explaining the fundamental principles of the British Values
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a framework for early years education in the UK, which aims to provide children with a high-quality education and care experience. In recent years, the concept of Prevent Duty and the British values has become increasingly prominent within the EYFS, with a growing emphasis on promoting these values in early years settings. In this article, we will explore what the fundamental principles of the British values are and how they relate to the EYFS.
What are fundamental principles of the British values?
British values are a set of principles that are seen as fundamental to British society. They include:
Democracy
Democracy is a fundamental principle of British values that plays an important role in the EYFS. At its core, democracy is based on the idea that everyone should have a say in how the country is run, and that everyone’s opinions should be valued and respected. This means that children in early years settings should be encouraged to express their thoughts and opinions on a range of issues, and that these opinions should be given equal weight and value.
To promote democracy in the EYFS, early years practitioners can provide opportunities for children to engage in decision-making processes. This can involve asking children to vote on issues such as what activities they would like to do, or what topics they would like to learn about. It can also involve encouraging children to take part in discussions and debates, and to consider different points of view.
Promoting democracy within the early years setting, it’s also important to help children understand how democracy works in wider society. This can involve providing opportunities for children to learn about the electoral process, and to understand the role of government and elected representatives. By doing this, early years practitioners can help to prepare children for their future role as responsible citizens in a democratic society.
The promotion of democracy is an important part of the EYFS, and early years practitioners have a crucial role to play in helping children to understand and engage with this fundamental British value. By encouraging children to express their opinions, and by providing opportunities for them to engage in decision-making processes, early years practitioners can help to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility, and prepare children for their future role as active and engaged citizens.
The rule of law
At its core, the rule of law is based on the idea that everyone should be equal under the law, and that the law should be applied fairly and justly. This means that all individuals should be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their background or social status.
To promote the rule of law in the EYFS, early years practitioners can provide opportunities for children to learn about the importance of rules and laws. This can involve establishing clear boundaries and expectations within the early years setting, and encouraging children to understand and follow these rules. It can also involve helping children to understand the consequences of breaking rules and laws, and to appreciate the importance of taking responsibility for their actions.
In addition to promoting the rule of law within the early years setting, it’s also important to help children understand the role of law in wider society. This can involve providing opportunities for children to learn about different aspects of the law, such as the criminal justice system or human rights legislation. By doing this, early years practitioners can help to prepare children for their future role as responsible citizens who respect and uphold the law.
By establishing clear boundaries and expectations, and by helping children understand the importance of following rules and laws, early years practitioners can help to create a safe and supportive environment where children can develop a strong sense of responsibility and respect for the law.
Individual Liberty
The concept of individual liberty is another fundamental principle of British values that is an essential part of the EYFS. It refers to the idea that everyone should have the freedom to make their own choices and decisions, provided that they do not harm others in the process. This principle is crucial in promoting children’s personal, social, and emotional development, as it helps them to develop a sense of autonomy and responsibility for their own choices.
In early years settings, promoting individual liberty can involve providing children with opportunities to make choices about their own learning and play experiences. This can include giving children the freedom to choose which activities they want to participate in, what materials they want to use, and who they want to play with. By doing this, early years practitioners can help children to develop a sense of agency and self-determination, which is essential for building confidence and self-esteem.
However, promoting individual liberty in the EYFS also requires a degree of balance and responsibility. Children need to learn that their choices have consequences and that their actions can impact others. Therefore, early years practitioners need to provide guidance and support to help children make informed decisions and to understand the consequences of their choices.
It’s also essential to help children understand the broader implications of this principle in society, In addition to promoting individual liberty within the early years setting. This can involve providing opportunities for children to learn about their rights and freedoms, as well as the rights and freedoms of others. By doing this, early years practitioners can help children develop an understanding of the importance of respecting the rights of others and living in a community that values individual liberty and personal responsibility.
Mutual Respect
This principle is based on the idea that everyone should treat others with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or beliefs. This principle is essential for promoting positive relationships and social interactions within the early years setting.
Promoting mutual respect in the EYFS involves creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Early years practitioners can achieve this by valuing and celebrating diversity and by creating opportunities for children to learn about and appreciate different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. This can include activities that promote understanding and empathy, such as reading stories from different cultures or learning about different languages.
Furthermore, promoting mutual respect requires early years practitioners to model respectful behavior towards others. This involves treating children, parents, and colleagues with kindness, empathy, and understanding. Early years practitioners can also encourage children to express their feelings and opinions in a respectful and constructive manner, promoting the development of social and emotional skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs:
This fundamental principle of British Values is based on the idea that everyone should be tolerant and accepting of people from different backgrounds and beliefs. It is essential for promoting positive relationships and social interactions in the early years setting.
To promote tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs in the EYFS, early years practitioners can create opportunities for children to learn about different cultures and religions. This can involve celebrating festivals and holidays from different cultures and religions and providing books and other resources that promote understanding and empathy.
Over and above that, early years practitioners can promote tolerance by modeling respectful behavior towards others. This involves treating children, parents, and colleagues with kindness, empathy, and understanding, regardless of their cultural or religious background. Early years practitioners can also encourage children to express their feelings and opinions in a respectful and constructive manner, promoting the development of social and emotional skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
How do British values relate to the EYFS?
In the EYFS, British values are seen as an important part of promoting children’s personal, social, and emotional development. By promoting these values, early years practitioners can help children to develop a sense of belonging and identity within British society. Some of the ways that British values are promoted in the EYFS include:
- Creating a safe and stimulating learning environment that promotes mutual respect and tolerance.
- Encouraging children to share their thoughts and opinions, and to listen to and respect the views of others.
- Providing opportunities for children to learn about the rule of law, and to understand the importance of following rules and laws.
- Supporting children to develop their own sense of identity and individuality, while also learning to work collaboratively with others.
- Celebrating and promoting diversity, and providing opportunities for children to learn about and appreciate different cultures and beliefs.
The promotion of British values in the EYFS is seen as an important part of preparing children for life in modern Britain. By helping children to develop a sense of identity and belonging, as well as an understanding of the values that underpin British society, early years practitioners can help to create a more cohesive and harmonious society for future generations.
In conclusion, British values are an important part of the EYFS, and early years practitioners have a crucial role to play in promoting these values. By creating a safe and stimulating learning environment that promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding, early years practitioners can help to prepare children for life in modern Britain, and to contribute to a more cohesive and harmonious society for all.
