Sch33 Children and Young People Workforce
I personally think that children need to understand the importance of diversity from an early age so they can recognise and see that they are all individuals. Equality:I will admit that I originally thought that equality just meant that everyone had to be treated the same, but this is not actually accurate. We are to treat everyone that same, but not in the sense that I thought, it means by giving everyone the same choices and opportunities, either in education or care, no matter what their background or abilities etc.
Every person has different needs and abilities so as long as they are given the same access to opportunities. It is not about having one rule for one group and another rule for a different group as this is discrimination. We are all equal in the fact that we are all part of the community and all deserve the same chances as everyone else. Inclusion:This basically means to ‘include’ everyone, no matter what age, sex, gender, race, language or religion.
Especially in a children’s setting, they should all be given the chance to be included in the group and have their individual needs met as best they can by the practitioners. For example, you would not single out a child in a wheelchair or a child with a different language, from a crafts activity as once again, this is discrimination. The practitioner should provide support and encouragement to each child so no one misses out. Briefly, discrimination is judging and individual and taking away their right of equality because of their race, sex, religion, age or ability for example. This can be done either by direct discrimination which is when one person is singled out and treated differently, or by indirect discrimination which involves a particular group of individuals.
As I have mentioned previously in my work, I think it is so important to teach children from a young age, the meaning of equality, diversity and inclusion. This way they will develop a positive attitude toward their peers who to at that time may seem different to them, because to be honest, a young child may not understand why their friend is of a different race, ability or culture. Giving the children and young people in our settings, the support and education needed should help them develop and understand that we are all different in some way.
Inclusive practice just ensures equality for all the children and young people in our settings, making sure no one is singled out or left behind in terms of progressing or educational needs. If you are in a setting with such a diverse group of children, then encourage them to be curious and ask questions about their peers. Work together to create activities involving different cultures or abilities, that way, everyone will learn and reach a better understanding of everyone’s needs and backgrounds. They will learn to relate to one another and achieve a more positive attitude towards each other.
As a practitioner, it is also important to know as much as possible about the different backgrounds so talk to the parents and your colleagues so you can support the children more in their individual needs. If I look back at when I was at school, you realise how things have progressed. I can say that I was in a school where it was 100% white British students. My son starts school next year and I know he will be in a class of students from so many different backgrounds, so it is so important he learn and understand the different races, cultures, religions, abilities and realise we are not all the same, but unique.
I just think that inclusive practice plays such a vital role in a child’s life and development, what they learn and understand now, as a child, will help so much in their adulthood. There are a lot of legislations in regards to inclusion, diversity and equality and it is important for practitioners to be aware of these and how they can get help and support in their setting if required.
