Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people Unit 8

By the end of the session you will: Be able to promote equality and diversity in work with children and young people Understand the impact of prejudice and discrimination on children and young people Be able to support inclusion and inclusive practices in work with children and young people

Notes: Assessment criteria 8.1.4; 8.1.5 & 8.3.3 must be assessed in the workplace Your assessor will arrange an observation to see these points.

Be able to promote equality and diversity in work with children and young people

Current legislation and codes of practice: 8.1.1 Every Child Matters 2003 and Children Act 2004 Stay safe Healthy Enjoy and achieve Economic well-being Positive contribution Put in place to ensure that all organisations and agencies involved with children between birth and 19 years should work together to ensure that children have the support needed to be health, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being. The acronym SHEEP can help you remember this: Following the Every Child Matters framework the Children Act 2004 required that these recommendations became a legal requirement. The key aspect of the act was to overhaul child protection and children’s services in the UK. Every Child Matters has been further developed through the publication of the Children’s Plan 2007 which sets out to improve educational outcomes for all children.

Current legislation and codes of practice: 8.1.1 Race Relations Act 1976 and 2000 Disability Discrimination Act 1995/2005 SEN Code of Practice 2001 Human Rights Act 1998 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 See attached notes on each piece of legislation.

The importance of promoting the rights to participation and equality of access

The importance of promoting the rights to participation and equality of access: All pupils should be able to fully access all areas of the curriculum. The advent of the Every Child Matters framework and the focus on personalised learning in all sectors of education has also made this high on the agenda. The reasons for this are: Human rights Equal opportunities in education Social opportunities Key term - INCLUSION – the right for all children to participate fully in the curriculum Human rights all children have a right to learn and play together Children should not be discriminated against for any reason Inclusin is concerned with improving schools for staff as well as pupils Equal opportunities in education Children do better in inclusive settings, both academically and socially Children should not need to be separated to achieve adequate educational provision Inclusive education is a more effective use of educational resources Social opportunities Inclusion in education is one aspect of inclusion in society Children need to be involved and integrated will all of their peers.

Sometimes part of SEN policy but usually separate The importance of promoting the rights to participation and equality of access: Schools should have code of practice and policies around equal opportunities and inclusion. Sometimes part of SEN policy but usually separate Are you familiar with these polices and do you know where to find them in school?

The importance and benefits of valuing and promoting cultural diversity

How can schools be aware of the The importance and benefits of valuing and promoting cultural diversity How can schools be aware of the importance of valuing and promoting cultural diversity? Most will actively inlcude a number of strategies to ensure that children from all cultures feel welcome in school. These may be: ‘Welcome’ displayed in a variety of different languages in the entrance hall and other signs in different areas of the school Other languages spoken in different lessons or during registration Representation from other cultures Festivals and celebrations from other cultures discussed and explored

Task: Write a short personal statement: identifying the current legislation and codes of practice relevant to the promotion of equality and valuing of diversity 8.1.1 explaining the importance of promoting the rights of all children and young people to participation and equality of access 8.1.2 explaining the importance and benefits of valuing and promoting cultural diversity in work with children and young people 8.1.3 Add your research to the appendix at the end of your portfolio.

Aim: Understand the impact of prejudice and discrimination on children and young people

Ways in which children and young people can experience prejudice and discrimination Many different ways in which children can experience prejudice and discrimination in school. Children can experience and discrimination in the same way as adults due to race, religion, age, sec, culture or ethnicity. What to look out for: Comments about a child’s appearance of clothes Children not playing with others who may be ‘different’ Children being excluded because they are boys or girls Children only playing together with others of the same race or ethnicity

The impact of prejudice and discrimination Self-esteem and social and emotional development Learning Relationships with others

Low self-esteem High self-esteem 8.2.2 Low self-esteem High self-esteem

Evaluate how own attitudes, values and behaviour could impact on work You will need to be able to consider how your own attitudes, values and behaviour could impact on your work. In some case this may not have been necessary before but you should think about whether you are treating pupils differently because of your own inbuilt ideas.

How to challenge discrimination You must always challenge discrimination whenever you come across it. You may need to record and report discriminatory behaviour and comments. When young children say things without understanding the implications, in particular if they have heard them said by others it should be made clear to them that their comments are not acceptable and that everyone in school should be treated fairly and with respect.

Task: Write a short personal statement: Explain ways in which children and young people can experience prejudice and discrimination 8.2.1 Analyse the impact of prejudice and discrimination of children and young people 8.2.2 Evaluate how own attitudes, values and behaviour could impact on work with children and young children 8.2.3 Explain how to promote anti-discriminatory practice in work with children and young people 8.2.4 Explain how to challenge discrimination 8.2.5 Add your research to the appendix at the end of your portfolio.

AIM: Be able to support inclusion and inclusive practices in work with children and young people

What is meant by inclusion and inclusive practices 8.3.1 Equal right to education and learning

Barriers to children and young people’s participation 8. 3 Barriers to children and young people’s participation 8.3.2 (anything that prevents the pupil participating fully in activities and experiences offered by the setting or service) Barriers to participation Physical barriers – lack of access, equipment or resources Organisational barriers – school policies, lack of training, lack of diversity within the school curriculum Attitudes within the school community – staff, parents, other pupils

Ways of supporting inclusion and inclusive practice: This will need to be assessed in the workplace.