1. Understand the importance of equality and inclusion. 1.1 Explain what is meant by:
Diversity
Diversity is the differences between people. These differences include attributes such as ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, social class, sexual orientation, race, age and disability.
Equality
Equality means fair treatment for everyone. In a childcare setting this means all children being afforded the right to the same opportunities. It means meeting the dietary, cultural, religious and disability needs of all children. In other words each child's individual need is met.
Inclusion
Inclusion is allowing everyone equal access to service, it is breaking down barriers to make room for everyone regardless of any differences. For example gender, disability, race or religion. An example of inclusion in practise within a childcare setting is having translation services available for children and families who have English as a second language or to make access for disabled people. Having a ramp or wide doors for wheelchair access, this is to aid in the inclusion of everyone.
Discrimination
Discrimination is treating an individual or group of people less or more favourable than others because of their race, gender, culture or religion. Discrimination can be direct or indirect.
1.2 Describe ways in which discrimination may deliberately or inadvertently occur in the work setting.
Examples of ways that this can happen is stereotyping, harassment, bullying, the use of inappropriate language, the lack of opportunities and the use of labelling.
1.3 Explain how practises that support equality and inclusion reduce the likelihood of discrimination.
A childcare setting can promote equality and inclusion meaning that the children will have fair chances and discrimination can be avoided. The likelihood of discrimination can be reduced by making sure there are enough staff and resources to meet the needs of the children.
Simple practices within a setting that can promote equality and inclusion can be having a multi-lingual welcome banner and flags from different countries. It can also be having toys, for example dolls in different colours or ethnicities, encouraging the children to play with an array of toys not discouraging free play by keeping it gender specific.
Promoting equality also means acknowledging children’s diversity and treating them as individuals, this is known as 'equal concern' as mentioned in the Children Act 1989. The use of positive images showing a diverse range of people doing things against the stereotype, such as women in construction, men in a domestic settings or disable people in sport can help children envision what they can achieve in life and develop strong expectations about their future. 2. Be able to work in an inclusive way.
2.1. Identify which legislation and codes of practice relating to equality, diversity and discrimination apply to own role.
Legislation and codes of practise regulates the way in which we interact within a setting, providing a framework of what is considered to be appropriate or inappropriate behaviour. The codes of practice and legislation that apply to a childcare
