We are Different, But We Belong Together...
As part of the Personal, Social and Emotional Development of the children at Little Acorns, we will work in partnership with our families to ensure that their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is nurtured. We want the children in our care to develop self-confidence, a positive sense of self, the ability to manage their feelings and behaviour and build positive relationships with their friends, parents and other adults.
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This is in line with the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural aspects of learning that are embedded within the framework for the early years. Within this we have a responsibility to prepare children to be active and contributing members of British Society by embedding British Values within our provision.
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Through exciting and engaging opportunities, the children will learn about their own world and the wider world, its people and communities recognising similarities and celebrating differences.
Through the year there are planned opportunities to capture the festivals and celebrations of different cultures and faiths whilst at the same time enjoying the spontaneity of sharing in family events, rituals and traditions.
Through the year there are planned opportunities to capture the festivals and celebrations of different cultures and faiths whilst at the same time enjoying the spontaneity of sharing in family events, rituals and traditions.
They will be encouraged to look for similarities and differences in order to build understanding, respect and tolerance. Equality of opportunity is important to us and we will ensure that all children are entitled to pursue their interest and talents age appropriately, no toys or games are ‘just for boys’ or ‘just for girls’, they are for all children enabling them to develop the caring, respectful, curious, imaginative and inventive skills necessary to grow into effective learners and individuals.
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We will challenge stereotypes with regard to gender, faith, culture, ability and colour. We want children to treat others as they themselves would like to be treated. This is in line with the ‘Respect and Tolerance’ strand of the British Values. (Please refer to our Equality of Opportunity Policy.
Through stories, role play, reflective story-telling, circle time, resources, images and activities the children can explore places and communities, and develop an interest in their friends and family. They will understand what makes them special and unique but also what draws people together and makes them belong. Being different but belonging together. This will help them to celebrate diversity and build tolerance and understanding.
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The children will have the opportunity to consider ‘right and wrong’ choices in different contexts, thinking about how a community works best together for everyone. The House Rules are in place to keep everyone safe and to ensure that the day runs smoothly and happily. The children might get the opportunity to contribute to rule making and decision making. For example, the children may have their own suggestions about how we use and share the setting and in how we learn and play alongside our friends. Our responses to behaviour choices are based on Restorative Justice Models and the children are encouraged to reflect on how to put things right.
It is important in the ‘Rule of Law’ strand within the British Values that our children understand that rules do matter for everyone. The children are entitled to be cared for in a happy and respectful environment, where their voice can be heard, and they are free to express their opinion. |
Our ‘individual liberty’ is a freedom that is very precious to us. We want our children to have confidence in their own abilities and have a sense of self. In the same respect we want children to be able to understand their feelings and the language of feelings. They may want to talk about how they feel after visiting Reception class, or about moving home or having a new baby brother or sister.
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Children also need to learn how to listen well to other people’s suggestions and ideas and be prepared to allow other children to have a different opinion. It is quite a challenge to understand that we have both rights and responsibilities.
With regards to ‘Democracy’ children need to know that their view will be valued and counted and that together, decisions can be made. There are tricky skills and rules within democracy of turn taking and sharing, negotiation and collaboration. These skills need to be modelled, practice and rehearsed. It might be that the children can vote on the kind of role play area to build, or the story to be chosen. Enquiring minds and good questioning allow us to reason and debate what we and others think.
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Our British Values works alongside our Prevent Duty responsibilities, and we aim to help build a really cohesive community at our setting, together with our children and parents, celebrating British Values. Where we have concerns we are aware of help lines and contacts we can use to support us in keeping our children, families and communities safe. (See our Safeguarding policy for further details.)
It is important to have time for reflection, quiet, stillness and calm too. Mindfulness helps us focus on the here and now in a calm way, and not to over focus and burden ourselves with confusion and worry. In our fast and busy world, we will take time to enjoy, awe and wonder at the little things.
Date: December 2023
Signed: AOkane Date: 30.12.23
Signed: MOkane Date: 30.12.23
Signed: AOkane Date: 30.12.23
Signed: MOkane Date: 30.12.23