One of the most important things we can teach our children is respect and tolerance. This is as important at school as at home and so, since 2014, the Department for Education has asked primary schools and early years settings to demonstrate and promote British values.
So, what are British values and why is this a requirement? The key values that schools and nurseries need to cover are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These values help children to become responsible members of society.
Learning about British values also helps children understand things like how they can influence decision-making in a democracy and how we can protect others against discrimination, both in law and through our own daily actions and attitudes.
It is up to each setting to decide how they go about promoting British Values in the EYFS, KS1 and KS2, it can be weaved into the curriculum and extra-curricular activities. But it can be hard for teachers to know where to start.
We have put together a list of books to help. From non-fiction books that help explain core concepts like democracy, liberty and law, to stories that show us how and why we should respect others and fight discrimination.
