The British values are defined as:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty and mutual respect
- Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
These values are not unique to Britain but are universal aspirations of equality and are, as such, fundamental to helping all children become compassionate, considerate adults who form part of a fair and equal society.
Early years settings must demonstrate these values through the management and implementation of the EYFS and ensure that they are understood and applied. Failure to do so may result in funding being withdrawn by the local authority.
The Prevent duty
As part of the government’s Prevent agenda, early years settings are asked to actively promote British values, which are implicitly embedded within the EYFS.
More recently, the government has reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation to promote fundamental British values” within education, as part of their strategy to overcome radicalisation and terrorism.
The Counter Terrorism and Security Act (2015) places a Prevent duty on early years settings “to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.
As such, settings should use government Prevent duty guidance in order to demonstrate conformity.
Want to find out more?
Alliance members can also access the free Prevent duty mini-guide on EYA Central.
