The DfE have reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools 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 were reiterated in 2014. At Holgate Preschool these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:

Democracy

We encourage the children to share their opinions and to understand that they may choose if they want to be part of a particular activity. They learn that they have the right to say no and that other people’s views are as valid as their own.

Through our curriculum, children are taught about and encouraged to respect public institutions and services

The Rule of Law

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the preschool or the country, are consistently reinforced at Holgate Preschool. Our topic ‘People Who Help Us’ supports this message as we look at, for example,  the roles of the police and fire service.

Despite our children being very young, they are taught from an early age the rules of the preschool. They learn the value and reasons behind our preschool rules, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules are broken. For more information, please ask to see our preschool Behaviour Policy which is available in the setting.

Individual Liberty

Our children are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a preschool we educate and provide boundaries for them to make informed choices, through a safe environment and an empowering education.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

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.

We celebrate festivals and events from different cultures and welcome input from parents or carers with different faiths and beliefs.