1.8  Inclusion and Diversity Policy

 Aims

The guiding idea is that every child matter, and to that end, we must acknowledge our society's social, economic, and cultural diversity, and ensure that no one feels excluded from the preschool for any reason. As a result, we must aim to:

  • Treat each child as an individual and respect their religions and cultures.

  • Offer all activities and toys to all children regardless of gender and developmental needs.

  • Encourage positive role models, displayed through toys, imaginary play, books, and posters that promote non- stereotyped images. All children will be encouraged to join in all activities i.e., dressing up, role play corner, dolls, climbing on large equipment, bikes etc.

  • Celebrate festivals throughout the nursery, ensuring that we include those events that are relevant to the children attending the nursery.

  • Welcome any parent/carer who would like to be involved with widening our education about their cultural or religious beliefs.

  • Provide assistance as requested by our parents/carers that use English as an additional language. We employ a staff team who reflect the local community and speak a variety of languages; Twi, Urdu, Pahari, Punjabi, Romanian

  • Actively promote an open-door policy within the nursery.

  • Ensure activities are accessible for all children.

  • Support the staff team within the nursery, offering hand-outs and training.

  • Ensure festivals are celebrated throughout the nursery.

  • Work alongside agencies when resources and relevant information is required.

  • Offer meetings and support to parents/carers and their children where English is an additional language.

  • The nursery is accessible to all children and families in the local community.

Safeguarding

Some children may be at increased risk of neglect and or abuse. Many factors can contribute to an increase in risk, including prejudice and discrimination, isolation, social exclusion, communication issues and reluctance on the part of some adults to accept that abuse can occur. 

Our preschool ethos promotes and accepts the differences between all children and adults. In practice this is about ensuring inclusion of individuals and treating them fairly and equally, no matter the diversity of their race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. 

Promoting equality and diversity in education is essential for both practitioners and children. The aim is to create a classroom environment where all children can thrive together and understand that individual characteristics make people unique and not ‘different’ in a negative way. 

 In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE 2016), to ensure that all of our pupils receive equal protection, we will also give special consideration to additionally vulnerable groups (as outlined in our Child Protection Policy), for example children with disabilities or special educational needs. Special consideration is also given in the provision of safeguarding information and resources in accessible formats for children and adults with communication needs. 

 Reviewed: 05/10/2021