This is an area that has been causing schools some concern in recent years, and we hope that this new series of books for Key Stage 2, and the books due to be published in the new year for Key Stage 3, will go some way to filling a gap in the provision for this.

Almost two years ago the Department for Education issued guidance requiring every school to ‘promote the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs’.

Whilst the guidance became effective immediately many primary schools have been struggling to explain challenging concepts and ideas that even A Level students struggle with. Published this month the British Values series of Key Stage 2 books responds directly to the Department for Education guidance on promoting fundamental British values as part of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education in schools.

The British Values series is a range of books to help schools meet their requirement to promote the fundamental British values with each title adopting one of the key British Values themes of:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Developed with the advice and input of primary school teachers, the British Values series has been specifically created for the needs of 7 to 11 year olds to provide key fundamental British values content in a highly accessible and enjoyable format.

What primary school teachers are saying about the British Values series:

• ‘A great resource! This is just what schools have been waiting for.’
• ‘A springboard for great lesson ideas covering British Values.’
• ‘Easy to use lesson ideas that will fit neatly into our topic plans.’
• ‘Great illustrations and clear activities for teachers and children to follow.’
• ‘Can be used as stand alone citizenship books or as part of wider topics.’
• ‘We love the mix of informative text, glossaries, engaging discussion topics and research activities’
  • ‘Bring on Key Stage 1 please!’
  • ‘Brilliant as non-fiction texts for Guided Reading.’
  • ‘Really informative and accessible text for KS2 children.’
  • ‘Clear and informative text and illustrations that engage KS2 readers -a great resource for exploring British Values.’
  • ‘Some difficult concepts clearly explained.’
  • ‘A great resource covering difficult concepts of judicial independence and the Rule of Law in an engaging manner.’
  • ‘Clear layout and fun illustrations make these books an engaging way of exploring British Values.’

The British Values series contains 5 books and is supported by two colour posters and a set of British Values stickers that pupils can use to record topics.

The books are available from Gresham Books at £3.99 each, or £50 for a starter bundle of 2 copies of each of the five British Values books plus two posters and sheets of stickers.

We hope this is of some help to those in your school tasked with ticking this particular box!