Inclusion, Equality & Diversity Policy

All early years settings must consider and meet relevant employer and service provider duties as set out in the Equality Act (2010) and in accordance with the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. Our Whytebeams family, children, staff, parents, carers, volunteers and visitors will be respected as individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, disability, background, social class, marital status, age or situation.

 

Our aims:

 

Provide a safe and secure environment with equality of opportunity, where children can flourish confidently knowing we welcome their individuality. Treat our children, colleagues, applicants, parents, carers, visitors & volunteers fairly, equally and with respect. To provide an environment in which children can thrive and achieve all outcomes of the EYFS ‘Development Matters’ and ‘Birth to 5 Matters’ and reach their full individual potential. To ensure all children make good and expected progress from their starting points. To actively encourage and develop positive attitudes, actively challenging and eliminating all types of discrimination, disadvantage and harassment. Provide a learning environment where all individuals see themselves reflected, represented, and feel a sense of belonging. Prepare children for a life in a diverse society in which they are able to identify their place in their community, the world and know their rights. Include and value the contribution of all families in our care. Adhere to relevant legislation to ensure equality and inclusivity in the service we provide.

 

To achieve our aims, we will:

 

Promote and provide a friendly, inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Make our facilities and services available and accessible at times that suit parents, carers and children where possible. Ensure that our services are known to be available by all who may have the need for them. To make a reasonable adjustment to our care or provision where practicably possible. Promote British Values within the setting as part of our daily routines. Show respectful awareness of all the major events, festivals and cultural celebrations in the lives of the children & families in our care as well as those built into our curriculum. Create an environment and atmosphere where there is diversity and choice. Allowing children a voice and ensuring it is heard. Broaden our own and others knowledge of different cultures, recognising and acknowledging the differences between our values and beliefs and those of others. Be aware of and address our own prejudice and actively challenge any prejudiced attitudes and statements, discriminatory behaviour, remarks or language, bullying and harassment. Report discrimination or harassment through the correct channels, or nursery manager/deputy.

 

Not tolerate behaviour from an adult which demonstrates dislike and prejudice towards groups and individuals living outside the UK (xenophobia). This also applies to the same behaviour towards specific groups of people and individuals who are British Citizens residing in the UK. 40 WHYTEBEAMS NURSERY Ensure we communicate with all potential users and endeavour to provide translation/interpreting where possible to ensure that all parents, children and staff are able to communicate with one another. Provide and maintain a wide range of appropriate resources and materials and activities that reflect the diversity of our community, especially our families within the setting. Provide opportunities for children to explore, acknowledge and value similarities and differences between themselves and others. Recruiting fairly in accordance with our policies. Where discrimination occurs, be sensitive to the feelings of the victim(s) and to help those responsible to understand and overcome their prejudices. Carry out induction, supervision, appraisals & continual training to ensure continual professional development for all staff. Provide additional help, if required, to any of our children for whom English is an additional language, and endeavour to provide translation/interpreting ensuring all parents, children and staff are able to communicate with one another.

 

Relevant legislation

 

The following legislation informs our practice

Sex Discrimination act 1975 (amended 1986)

Race Relations Act 1976 and Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

Employment Equality Regulations 2003 (as amended in 2006)

The Children’s Act 2004

The Disability Discrimination Act 2005

Equality Act 2010

 

Action to be taken in any case of discrimination:

 

All cases of discrimination will be logged and reported to the Manager or Deputy. The management team will consider whether discrimination has occurred and agree on appropriate action and response, notifying the person raising the concern within 10 days. Actions will be implemented and monitored as appropriate which may include disciplinary procedures, criminal or legal proceedings. A report will be produced detailing the incident and recording any actions or outcomes. Where appropriate other agencies will be informed.