Summary Statement
The Kindergarten management and staff recognise and support legislation and codes of practice for the promotion of equal opportunities for all. We believe that good childcare and education is by definition non-sexist, non-racist and does not discriminate against those with any kind of disability. We also support the challenging and elimination of any sexism or racism and the inclusion of those with disabilities in order to benefit all members of society.
Objectives
We are committed to and parents and carers are encouraged in supporting the following.
· To ensure equal opportunities for all staff and children.
· To value and appreciate different cultures, customs and beliefs.
· To ensure all children and staff develop positive self-images and high levels of self-esteem.
· To prepare children for life in a society that reflects and values cultural and ethnic variety.
· To challenge unfair pre-conceptions relating to gender, race or disability
· To reflect on and review this policy.
Staff Recruitment and Training
We aim to ensure that staff are recruited, selected, trained and promoted on the basis of occupational skills and requirements. In this respect we will ensure no job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatments on grounds of age, gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, cultural or national origin, sexuality or disability which cannot be justified as being necessary for the safe and effective performance of the work or training for the work required. The policy is discussed and given to all staff on joining the Kindergarten. The policy is reviewed and discussed at staff meetings at least annually. All staff have equal access to a wide range of training opportunities.
The Role of the Staff
The Equal Opportunities Co-ordinator is Mrs. Valerie Warren. She and Mrs. Harris have attended Equal Opportunities training. However all staff are expected to take an active part in implementing the policy and reporting any incidents on a day to day basis.
Admissions and Individual information on children
Our Admissions Policy within the prospectus states that the Kindergarten is open to all children between the ages of 2½ and 5 years old irrespective of gender, race or ability. Children with disabilities are accepted as long as our facilities meet or can be reasonably adjusted to meet their individual needs and we can provide adequate and suitable staffing. It is also stated that any form of racism or bullying will not be tolerated.
Information is sought from parents on entry and parents are asked to complete forms, with support from staff if necessary. Questions are asked about cultural/religious requirements and health issues.
Resources and Activities
We aim to provide a variety of equipment and activities that reflect a diverse society. When purchasing new or replacement equipment careful consideration is given to encouraging positive role models, promoting non-stereotyped images, and reflecting different cultures, abilities and disabilities.
Home Corner and Role Play
A variety of dressing up clothes is available including those reflecting different ethnic groups and different employment roles in society. Home corner equipment and play food reflects a variety of foods and cooking styles.
Books and Puzzles
We aim to ensure books and puzzles reflect the diverse community in which we live and do not reflect racist or sexist images or gender stereo-typing.
Music and Dance
A wide selection of musical instruments, some of which reflect other countries and cultures are available. We also have tapes and CD’s reflecting a variety of musical styles, some of which originate from other countries and cultures.
Small world toys and dolls
These are chosen to represent a culturally diverse society and range of abilities are not gender stereotyped.
Cooking and Eating
Cooking opportunities and snack times are planned to reflect food form different countries and communities.
Festivals and Religions
As well as celebrating Christian Festivals, such as Christmas and Easter, children are introduced to the festivals, beliefs and traditions of other cultures such as Divali, Hannuka, and Chinese New Year. The beliefs of children, staff and parents are respected equally and input sort from parents and friends. Support materials are available to staff for planning and carrying out these activities.
Bullying and Harassment
Kindergarten management and staff recognise that any form of bullying/and or harassment is totally unacceptable and any such behaviour must be challenged and resolved. Procedures for dealing with different scenarios are detailed below.
Child/Child
Children’s complaints and comments should always be listened to, taken seriously and investigated through observation and discussion with others. Staff should always remain alert to the possibility of bullying/harassment through continued careful observation. Staff should challenge and explain unacceptable behaviour to children and monitor progress. If the behaviour persists parents will be involved as detailed in the Behavioural Management Policy.
Adult/Child
Any bullying/harassment of a child by a staff member is unacceptable under any circumstances. It will be deemed gross misconduct as detailed in their Contract of Employment and will, as stated there, result in instant dismissal. Any observed bullying/harassment of a child by a parent/carer will be recorded in the setting Incident Book and discussed with parents. Either may also be considered abuse and procedures in the Safeguarding Children Policy may be invoked.
Adult/Adult
Staff and parents and carers are expected to treat each other with respect. Any complaints should be made in the first instance to Mrs. Harris or Mrs. Warren who will investigate the circumstances by talking to those concerned. Bully/harassment by staff will result in formal warnings and if continued with dismissal. Bully/harassment of staff by parents/carers will not be tolerated and will result in them being excluded from the premises and if necessary police action taken.
Racial Incidents
Kindergarten Management and staff recognises that racial prejudice through actions or comments is wholly unacceptable and should be challenged and that young children may need to unlearn negative attitudes and behaviour.
Definitions
Racism: Conduct or words or practices which disadvantage or advantage people because of their colour, culture or ethnic origin.
Racist Incident: A racist incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person
Procedures for dealing with a Racist Incident
Incidents should be dealt with quickly, sensitively fairly and appropriately.
A flowchart for dealing racist incidents is on the reverse of this page.
A Racist Incident Report Form is available and must be completed by Mrs. Warren or Mrs. Harris in the event of any racist incident.
Support Services Available
· Early Years Advisory Teacher (Inclusion) – Barbara Bourn 01234 742534
· Minority Achievement Support Services (EMASS) 01234 228488
· Traveller Education Service - Pam King 01582 861063
Monitoring
This policy will be monitored by:
· Discussions and observations between staff
· Recording and reviewing any incidents
· Recording and reflecting on comments by parents
· Reflecting on practice
· Annual policy reviews