Foundation Degree Values and Diversity Equality and Diversity Lecturer: Laura Griffiths

Introduction: My Name: Laura Griffiths Email Address: laura.griffiths@coleggwent.ac.uk

Learning Outcomes: The framework for equality of opportunity The rights of children and young people Core values and strategies to cater for individual difference

Assessment for this unit 1. Student seminar presentation In groups of no more than 3 Prepare a presentation detailing legislation relevant to equality of opportunity for children, young people and their families and its implications to practice. Each group member must make equal contribution to the presentation and will present for 5 minutes each. Submission date - 12th November 2014 Presentations commence: 12th and the 19th of November 2014

Assessment for this unit 2. Essay 2,500 words Focussing on one area of discrimination e.g. Race, Gender or Disability produce an essay which discusses provision, integration and inclusivity for all. Relevant and current legislation must be included. The principles of inclusion, equality and diversity and their importance need to be included especially in regards to planning and delivering of services for children. Submission date: 14th January 2015

Lesson Objectives: By the end of this session you should be able to…. Identify the true meaning of equality and diversity. Identify and describe legislation that protects children from harm and discrimination.

Equality What do we mean by equality? Create a definition “For early childhood practitioners ‘equality’ entails valuing all children as individuals, recognising that children have individual needs and that their rights as individuals need to be respected and upheld” (Veale, 2013 p.238)

Misunderstanding….. It’s a common misunderstanding that the word ‘equality’ means children and their families should be treated equal……(however logical this may sound). It actually means that children and their families should be treated fairly and that the services available should be accessible by all. (Veale, 2013)

Discrimination What do we mean by discrimination? Create a definition Discrimination is when a person or group of people are treated differently or unfairly. It is vital, especially within the early years that discrimination is not only recognised it is challenged. (Kay, 2012)

Equality for Early Childhood Over the 1990’s policy statements regarding equality began to develop further….. Why do you think this? More and more groups were added to the list who could be vulnerable to discrimination.

Activity In pairs create a list / spider diagram of as many things as possible that a person could be discriminated upon.

Discrimination Clothing Family Background Additional Needs Illness Race Gender Culture Religion Social class Disability Accent Language Skin colour Age Education Clothing Family Background Additional Needs Illness Height Personal hygiene Refugee status Asylum Seekers Stereotypes

Approaches to Equality: How do you think we as practitioners can move towards providing better provisions for children regarding equality of opportunity? Good Practice Practitioner Attitudes Willingness to learn and possibly our change ways How do you think

Approaches to Equality: “Good practice over equality does not mean blaming people for the past, a positive approach looks to the future” (Lindon, 2006, p. 5) You are responsible Be a reflective practitioner

Approaches to Equality: What do we have in all childcare settings to protect children from discrimination? Where are these policies and procedures derived from?

Task: In small groups research and identify three pieces of legislation that is there to protect children (anyone under the age of 18)from harm and or discrimination. Don’t forget to take down your references for future use!! Take note of:- The name of the Act The year the Act was implemented And a description of how the Act protects children Once you have identified the legislation and produced a description of the key facts, explain how the legislation is implemented within your setting.

References: Devaraakonda, C. (2013) Diversity and Inclusion in Early Childhood: An Introduction. London: SAGE Griffin, S. (2008) Inclusion, Equality and Diversity in Working with Children. Essex: Heinemann Kay, Janet, (2012) Good Practice in the Early Years. London: Continuum International Publishing Group. Lindon, J. (2006) Equality in Early Childhood. Oxon: Hodder Education. Veale, F. (ed)(2013) Early Years for levels 4 and 5 and the Foundation Degree. 4th edn. Oxon: Hodder and Stoughton Ltd.