The EYFS Curriculum Overview can be linked to the five fundamental British values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Here's how some of the curriculum content aligns with these values:
- Democracy:
- Collaborative Activities (e.g., group storytelling, role play, team games): Encouraging children to work together in various activities fosters democratic principles such as collaboration, listening to others, and making collective decisions.
- Circle Time: Activities where children share their thoughts and listen to others promote democratic participation and the sharing of diverse opinions.
- Rule of Law:
- Classroom Rules (e.g., understanding and following classroom rules): Teaching children the importance of rules and guidelines helps them understand the significance of laws and regulations in ensuring safety and order.
- Safety Lessons (e.g., road safety, safety around water): Emphasizing safety rules in different contexts highlights the role of laws in protecting individuals and promoting responsible behavior.
- Individual Liberty:
- Creative Expression (e.g., drawing, painting, storytelling): Providing opportunities for children to express themselves through various creative activities supports the value of individual liberty, allowing them to explore their creativity and personal interests.
- Independent Tasks (e.g., doing things themselves, helping others): Encouraging children to take ownership of their tasks and make choices promotes independence and self-reliance.
- Mutual Respect:
- Diverse Representations (e.g., family trees, diverse representations of family life): Studying different family structures and cultural backgrounds promotes mutual respect and appreciation for the diversity of communities.
- Community Helpers (e.g., learning about people who help us in the community): Understanding the roles of various community helpers fosters respect for the contributions of different individuals to society.
- Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
- Cultural Celebrations (e.g., learning about festivals and celebrations such as Diwali, Hanukkah, Eid): Exposure to different cultural and religious celebrations encourages children to appreciate and tolerate diverse practices and beliefs.
- Stories from Different Cultures (e.g., Anansi the Spider, Aesop’s Fables): Studying stories from various cultures promotes understanding and tolerance of different traditions and values.