An effective way to help children resist extremist views is to teach them to think critically and become independent learners, which is fundamental to the Characteristics of Effective Learning and Teaching embedded in the EYFS.
Britain has undergone rapid economic and social change in the last few decades and we live in an increasingly diverse society. We need to teach our children that it is possible to live together peacefully, where each of them is a valuable part of our multicultural world. We recognise that it is important to work closely with parents and carers – to let them know that we will be teaching their children British values as part of our day-to-day curriculum. Indeed, the Early Years Foundation Stage lays down guidelines as to how the nursery should encourage British values and be aware of them either here or at home. For example we will promote and teach children and staff to be mindful of:
- Valuing and respecting family.
- Understanding and recognising we live in a multicultural and diverse world.
- Working with parents and carers to ensure values are consistent. Learning about the world in which we live and be proud of what we see around us.
- Teaching children to respect the law, learn right from wrong and to have social responsibility.
- Promoting a sense of belonging in our local community.
- Learning about our own and respect other faiths and beliefs, whether theistic, agnostic or nonreligious.
- Understanding each child has a voice and is listened to; they feel important and that their views will be included. Promoting what living in a democracy means in practice.
- Teaching children to be kind, helpful and respectful of others;
- Celebrating festivals and marking special days from the world around us;
- Teaching children about compromise – that some of us believe one thing… some of us believe something totally different and that’s OK. Teaching children about shared values and working together towards a common goal.
Within these guidelines we will be helping children to become compassionate, considerate adults and that they will form part of a fair and equal society. We will demonstrate these values through the management and implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage amongst other teaching philosophies. Through this policy we will share these values and make sure our staff understand and act appropriately within it. We will at all times share this policy with parents/carers as well as benchmark its content with best practice elsewhere.