When you hear the term British values, what come to your mind? Do you think it’s to do with teaching your child the national anthem? Or raising them to live like an English person?
Embracing British values is not a rigid new rule; you must teach your child. In fact, you’re probably living it already. In addition, British values are a core part of your child’s everyday life at this nursery.
The reason why we’re writing about British values is because it’s recently been added to the EYFS. Because we’re working in partnership with each other, it’s our responsibility to keep you updated with current changes. And encourage you to support us, and your child.
“The fundamental British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs are already implicitly embedded in the 2014 Early Years Foundation Stage.” ~ http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2015/03/fundamental-british-values-in-the-early-years/
We already work within the framework of the EYFS by supporting your child’s personal, social and emotional development in the following areas:
Here are 5 ways you can incorporate British values in your child’s everyday life:
1. MUTUAL RESPECT AND TOLERANCE: VALUE AND RESPECT OTHER CULTURES
Britain is made up of a lot of different cultures. Whether you’re British, Caribbean, Indian, African, Chinese or other nationality, it’s important to show your child how to value and respect other people’s cultures. Talk to them about the differences and similarities. Explain their traditions and celebrations.
For example, tell your child why Indians celebrate Eid and why that day is important to them.
2. TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WANT TO BE TREATED: APPRECIATE OTHER PEOPLE’S FAITHS AND BELIEFS
There are numerous faiths and beliefs. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t discriminate against others because of their beliefs or religion.
3. INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY: ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO SHARE THEIR OPINIONS
Your child’s opinions are important. They have enquiring minds and as they learn life lessons their opinions will increase. This is how they explore, develop self-awareness and communication skills. Allow them to talk about their experiences, at nursery and at home.
Encourage them to share their opinions freely with you. At the nursery they’ll take part in small group discussions. This may involve talking about transferring to reception class. Knowing about their feelings will highlight any fears or concerns they may have about change.
4. RULE OF LAW: TEACH YOUR CHILD THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING RULES
Rules are meant to be kept, not broken. Teaching rules so your child knows what’s right from wrong should begin at home. They should be aware that there will be consequences for doing wrong.
A rule could simply be telling your child to tidy up their toys after using them. Also, by setting examples, it will support the fact that everyone should keep rules, not just your child. Rule keeping will also help your child manage their behaviour positively.
5. RESPECT FOR OTHERS: ENGAGE YOUR CHILD IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY
Introducing your child to the local community will make them understand more about the world they live in. Keeping them secluded will limit their experiences of the various ethnicities that make Britain unique.
One way to actively get involved is to volunteer for community service projects as a family. If you haven’t got a lot of spare time, start with one project a year. Christmas is coming up. You and your child could make a gift basket to donate to a care home for the elderly. You’ll both have fun doing this. In addition, you’ll be introducing them to the wider community.
To sum up, instilling British values as part of your child’s upbringing, will equip them to be self-confident and be better citizens as adults. It will also prepare them for entering the work place and be a responsible person, regardless of where they live in the future.
OVER TO YOU.
We would love your involvement and feedback about the blog posts. Your input will help us provide the best information to help support you and your child. Please share your thoughts on any of the questions below…
Embracing British values is not a rigid new rule; you must teach your child. In fact, you’re probably living it already. In addition, British values are a core part of your child’s everyday life at this nursery.
The reason why we’re writing about British values is because it’s recently been added to the EYFS. Because we’re working in partnership with each other, it’s our responsibility to keep you updated with current changes. And encourage you to support us, and your child.
“The fundamental British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs are already implicitly embedded in the 2014 Early Years Foundation Stage.” ~ http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2015/03/fundamental-british-values-in-the-early-years/
We already work within the framework of the EYFS by supporting your child’s personal, social and emotional development in the following areas:
- Learn right from wrong
- Mix and share with other children
- Value other’s views
- Know about similarities between themselves and others
- Challenge negative attitudes and stereotypes
Here are 5 ways you can incorporate British values in your child’s everyday life:
1. MUTUAL RESPECT AND TOLERANCE: VALUE AND RESPECT OTHER CULTURES
Britain is made up of a lot of different cultures. Whether you’re British, Caribbean, Indian, African, Chinese or other nationality, it’s important to show your child how to value and respect other people’s cultures. Talk to them about the differences and similarities. Explain their traditions and celebrations.
For example, tell your child why Indians celebrate Eid and why that day is important to them.
2. TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WANT TO BE TREATED: APPRECIATE OTHER PEOPLE’S FAITHS AND BELIEFS
There are numerous faiths and beliefs. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t discriminate against others because of their beliefs or religion.
3. INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY: ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO SHARE THEIR OPINIONS
Your child’s opinions are important. They have enquiring minds and as they learn life lessons their opinions will increase. This is how they explore, develop self-awareness and communication skills. Allow them to talk about their experiences, at nursery and at home.
Encourage them to share their opinions freely with you. At the nursery they’ll take part in small group discussions. This may involve talking about transferring to reception class. Knowing about their feelings will highlight any fears or concerns they may have about change.
4. RULE OF LAW: TEACH YOUR CHILD THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING RULES
Rules are meant to be kept, not broken. Teaching rules so your child knows what’s right from wrong should begin at home. They should be aware that there will be consequences for doing wrong.
A rule could simply be telling your child to tidy up their toys after using them. Also, by setting examples, it will support the fact that everyone should keep rules, not just your child. Rule keeping will also help your child manage their behaviour positively.
5. RESPECT FOR OTHERS: ENGAGE YOUR CHILD IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY
Introducing your child to the local community will make them understand more about the world they live in. Keeping them secluded will limit their experiences of the various ethnicities that make Britain unique.
One way to actively get involved is to volunteer for community service projects as a family. If you haven’t got a lot of spare time, start with one project a year. Christmas is coming up. You and your child could make a gift basket to donate to a care home for the elderly. You’ll both have fun doing this. In addition, you’ll be introducing them to the wider community.
To sum up, instilling British values as part of your child’s upbringing, will equip them to be self-confident and be better citizens as adults. It will also prepare them for entering the work place and be a responsible person, regardless of where they live in the future.
OVER TO YOU.
We would love your involvement and feedback about the blog posts. Your input will help us provide the best information to help support you and your child. Please share your thoughts on any of the questions below…
- Are you already teaching your child British values?
- Do you think it will make a difference to their lives as they grow up?
- Does working in partnership with the nursery help your child’s development?