British Values Policy

BRITISH VALUES POLICY

1. AIM OF THIS POLICY

Clubland Playscheme is committed to providing a safe and caring environment, where children are free from discrimination and protected from abuse, harm and radicalisation.

As an early years provider, we already focus on children’s personal, social and emotional development, however to help prevent the radicalisation of children, we promote British Values in an age appropriate way.

As part of this commitment we also aim to ensure that neither our club sessions nor our premises are used to promote extremist beliefs or discriminatory views.

2. WHAT BRITSH VALUES ARE

According to the Department of Education (DfE), ‘fundamental British values’ comprise:

Democracy
the rule of law
individual liberty
mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and for those without faith

The DfE places a duty on EYFS providers to prepare children for life in modern Britain by developing their understanding of ‘fundamental British values’.

3. HOW WE PROMOTE BRITISH VALUES

We promote British Value through ensuring children learn right from wrong, mix and share with other children and value other’s views, know about similarities and differences between themselves and others, and challenge negative attitudes and stereotypes. Examples include:

Democracy

Letting children know their views count and encouraging everyone to value each other’s opinions and values. We demonstrate democracy in action, for example, by letting children share views on what activity should come next with a show of hands or through a club council
Providing activities that involve turn-taking, sharing and collaboration
Giving children opportunities to develop enquiring minds by creating an atmosphere where all questions are valued
Involving children in the development of the club, for example, in the planning of activities, the purchase of equipment/toys, the type of food available for snacks and internal and external visits/trips

Rule of Law

Ensuring that children understand their own and others’ behaviour and its consequences, helping them to distinguish right from wrong
Working with children to create the rules and the codes of behaviour, such as agreeing the rules about tidying up, and also ensuring children understand that the rules apply to everyone

Individual liberty

Providing opportunities for children to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and increase their confidence in their own abilities, for example, through allowing children to take risks on an obstacle course and talking about their experiences and learning
Encouraging a range of experiences that allow children to explore the language of feelings and responsibility, reflect on their differences and understand everyone is free to have different opinions

Mutual respect and tolerance

Encouraging and explaining to children about the importance of tolerant behaviours, such as sharing and respecting each other’s opinions
Promoting diverse attitudes and challenge stereotypes, for example, by sharing stories that reflect and value the diversity of children’s experiences
Providing resources and activities that challenge gender, cultural and racial stereotyping
Creating an ethos of inclusivity and tolerance where views, faiths, cultures and races are valued
Arranging visits and trips whereby children can engage with the wider community
Encouraging children to acquire a tolerance, appreciation and respect for their own and other cultures by discussing with children the similarities and differences between themselves and others; and among families, faiths, communities, cultures and traditions
Sharing and discussing practices, celebrations and experiences through craft or cooking activities

4. NO PLATFORM

Clubland Playscheme will not allow its Club sessions nor its premises to be used:

To promote or express extremist ideological, religious or political views
To promote or express discriminatory views in relation to the protected characteristics cited in the Equality Act 2010
For any reason by an organisation that is proscribed by the Home Secretary under The Terrorism Act 2000.

5. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Premises: The room, space or building used by the club while it is running a session.

Extremist views: Extremism is defined in the Prevent Strategy as “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism, calls for the death of members of the armed forces, whether in this country or overseas.”

Protected characteristics: The characteristics protected under The Equality Act 2010 are:

Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race
Religion and belief
Sex
Sexual orientation

Proscribed organisations: A list of proscribed organisations can be downloaded here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/proscribed-terror-groups-or-organisations--2

6. RELATED POLICIES

See also related policies: Basic Safeguarding Training, Equalities Policy and Safeguarding Policy.