British Values Policy

The leadership and staff at Activeplay recognise that the Department for Education’s fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs are shared by many peoples around the world and not just those from Britain. We also acknowledge that these values are already embedded in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Below are detailed each of the values and how they are interpreted in our setting:

Democracy

Children are encouraged to know that their views count in the nursery, and are encouraged to talk about their feelings. We show by example that it is also important to consider other people’s views and feelings. We provide activities that include taking turns, sharing and working together. Staff encourage children to ask questions and collaborate in tasks, for example everyone helping to tidy up. Children’s views are sought in the activities available, the layout of rooms and the garden, and in the creation of our menus. Parents’ views are regularly sought on issues affecting the nursery. All staff are encouraged to share their views and opinions in meetings, supervisions, staff training and in the course of their everyday work.  The opinions and ideas of all staff are recognised, encouraged and have value, whether expressed by a long standing member of staff or an apprentice.

Rule of Law

Children learn to consider their own behaviour and how it affects others. We have a positive behaviour management policy that rewards good behaviours and denies attention to negative behaviours. Staff discuss with children how they can make others feel sad, hurt or left out by behaving in certain ways. There are age appropriate rules for each room in the nursery, and behaviour is generally very good. Children understand that they must share, or take their turn, that they must not run and must hold the handrail on the stairs, for their own safety and that of other children.

Individual Liberty

Children should develop a positive sense of themselves and their own value. Staff are important in encouraging a safe and supportive environment, self-esteem, confidence, and self-knowledge. Staff provide love and care and make each child feel important and valued. A balanced management of risk allows children to feel free to try new experiences and take risks in their play, in the garden, in physical play, but also in creative expression and in sharing their feelings. In group discussions and circle time, staff encourage children to share their views and feelings and know that it is fine to have different opinions.

Mutual Respect

Children learn to be kind to each other and to understand that everybody matters in this nursery. Staff are expected to gently but actively challenge intolerance, gender stereotypes and negative attitudes. The behaviour of staff towards each other, children and parents is important in modelling respectful and polite behaviour. Children are expected to say please and thank you, and to consider the feelings of others – to treat others as they would like to be treated. There are children in the nursery from a number of different geographical, cultural and language backgrounds, and all the children are encouraged to look positively at the differences between people, and the many similarities they share.

Tolerance for those with different Faiths and Beliefs

We mark and celebrate many different festivals and customs at Activeplay Nursery. Our children are drawn from different cultures, countries and religions and exploring this is part of our daily practice. Children observe the beliefs of others being respected within the nursery, for example through staff using different languages and providing culturally appropriate meals. Tolerant behaviour is modelled by staff and the nursery has an ethos of inclusivity and engagement with the local community. Staff share stories and activities from different countries and cultures, and we have a range of resources from different cultures in the nursery, which are actively deployed rather than being passive displays.

Revised May 2022
By: Jacquelin Curtis
Adopted as the policy of the nursery
By: Jacquelin Curtis Director,
Activeplay Nurseries Ltd