British values and SEND
How Evergreen Forest Nursery Promotes British Values
At Evergreen Forest Nursery, we promote British Values through our everyday routines, relationships, play experiences and learning opportunities. We help children develop a sense of belonging, understand right and wrong, respect others and appreciate the different people and communities around them.
Our rural setting provides wonderful opportunities to teach these values naturally through caring for animals, exploring the outdoors, sharing stories, working together and learning to care for our environment.
1. Democracy – Having a Voice
At Evergreen, we encourage children to express their opinions, make choices and share their ideas. Children are supported to choose their own play experiences, contribute to group discussions and take part in decisions about their learning. Through stories, group time and everyday conversations, we help children understand that their voices matter and that everyone deserves to be heard.
2. The Rule of Law – Understanding Boundaries
We help children understand why rules and boundaries are important for keeping everyone safe. Through consistent routines, positive guidance and clear expectations, children learn about right and wrong and the importance of caring for others. When working with our farm animals and exploring our outdoor environment, children learn to follow safety rules and handle living creatures gently and responsibly.
3. Individual Liberty – Building Independence
At Evergreen, we nurture children’s confidence, independence and ability to make choices. Our play-based, book-inspired curriculum, alongside our Montessori inspired approach, encourages children to follow their interests, explore their ideas and develop skills at their own pace. Through outdoor exploration, problem-solving and caring for animals, children develop resilience, independence and confidence in their own abilities.
4. Mutual Respect and Tolerance – Celebrating Everyone
We teach children to be kind, considerate and respectful towards one another, recognising that everyone is unique and valued. Through shared play, stories, conversations and caring for our animals, children learn empathy, cooperation and an appreciation of differences. We introduce children to different cultures, families, religions and beliefs through books, celebrations and meaningful experiences, helping them develop an understanding of the diverse world around them.
Our Commitment at Evergreen
At Evergreen Forest Nursery, British Values are woven into our everyday practice rather than taught as a standalone subject. Our nurturing, nature-rich environment provides meaningful opportunities for children to develop kindness, respect, independence and a sense of responsibility.
Through play, stories, caring for animals and learning together, we support children to become confident communicators, thoughtful decision-makers and respectful members of their community. We celebrate each child’s individuality and help them understand that everyone has a voice, everyone matters and everyone deserves to feel safe, included and valued.
Supporting SEND at Evergreen Forest Nursery
At Evergreen Forest Nursery, we believe every child is unique and deserves to feel safe, valued and included. We provide a nurturing environment where children are supported to learn, develop and reach their full potential at their own pace.
SENCo: Jo Reid
Individualised care and learning
We take time to understand each child’s strengths, interests and individual needs, adapting activities and experiences to help every child participate and make progress.
Communication and language
We encourage children to express themselves through stories, songs, conversations, play and everyday interactions. We have on-site access to a Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) to support children’s communication and language development, alongside guidance from our Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).
Play-based learning
Our curriculum is built around play, books and exploration. We adapt experiences to suit different learning styles, developmental stages and abilities.
Nature and outdoor learning
Our forest school activities and outdoor spaces provide opportunities for children to explore, move, investigate and learn through sensory experiences at their own pace.
Animal care
Caring for our alpacas, pigs, ducks, rabbits and mini beasts encourages empathy, responsibility, confidence and emotional development, with appropriate adult support.
Consistent routines
Predictable routines, gentle transitions, clear expectations and visual prompts, where appropriate, help children feel secure and understand what is happening throughout their day.
Working in partnership with families
We work closely with parents and carers, sharing observations, celebrating progress and agreeing on strategies that support each child’s individual needs.
Early identification and additional support
Our practitioners monitor children’s development and work alongside our SENCO, families and relevant professionals to identify needs early and put appropriate support in place.
Preparing for the future
We support children to develop independence and confidence, helping them prepare for transitions to school and ensuring relevant information is shared to support continuity of care.
At Evergreen Forest Nursery, our aim is to ensure every child feels understood, included and celebrated. Through our experienced team, access to specialist support and unique nature-rich environment, we strive to remove barriers to learning and provide every child with the opportunity to thrive.