Ptlls_Theory_Task_3

Theory task 3 – inclusion, equality, diversity and referral points. Equality is about making sure people are treated fairly and given fair chances. Equality is not about treating everyone in the same way, but it recognises that their needs are met in different ways. Equality focuses on those areas covered by the law, namely the key areas of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age. In addition to the legislation which seeks to prevent discrimination in all these areas, we have a public duty to promote equality and remove discrimination in race, gender and disability (Gravells, 2011). People must not be unfairly discriminated against because of any of these factors and we must all contribute to creating a positive workplace environment where discriminatory practices and discrimination no longer happen. Diversity. Diversity is about recognising, respecting and valuing individual differences of each learner. Different backgrounds, experience and knowledge skills, encourage and challenge us to use those differences to create an effective and productive educational environment (Gravells, 2011). Inclusion. Inclusion is about treating learners equally and fairly, ensuring all learners feel involved without directly or indirectly excluding anyone. For example if some particular needs of some learners are not met they could feel excluded, therefore it is important to know through the induction process or initial assessment what these needs are. Learners can also be affected by the actions and words of others therefore inclusion is also about the behaviour and actions of others. It is important to try and promote a positive culture of opportunity whereby all learners within the session can participate and feel valued (Gravells, 2011). For example in my sessions I always encourage my learners to work in small groups and mix with each other this encourages team work and gives the learners a chance to share their ideas. At the beginning of each session I always start with an ice breaker this is usually a quick quiz on the previous lesson each student is asked a question, after the answer has been given I then involve all other learners to give their point of view. To promote equality and diversity being aware that each learner within my group will have a different level of experience and learning need, I ensure within each session I teach, all learners are not only shown what to do when completing a practical task, they are also given hand-outs clear instructions. I encourage peer support as well as independent learning while ensuring that each learner has access to all resources, therefore giving each learner an equal and fair opportunity to learn. As I have multi-cultural learners in my classroom I feel it is important not to discriminate against race. Occasionally I will show my learners reports on racism I will then encourage the learners through classroom debates to talk about ways to stamp out racism. This encourages learners to understand the affects racism has on today’s society, it also helps prepare the learners for their role in the working environment. The points of referral are the child protection officer, who deals with any student issues, liaises with social services and child protection officers. Tutors and the pastoral officer offers one to one tuition and uses the every child matters guidelines to help with student issues. After a basic induction the students have to carry out a numeracy and literacy assessment so we can get a rough idea about their vocational needs. Any problems that arise through special needs or any students needing special one to one tuition, our Pastoral Officer, will start a portfolio for that student. Their progress and needs are assessed closely. On the city & guilds course I deliver for example, all learners are required to gain work experience through a work placement to meet the students’ needs to gain the qualification required for their future careers. Word Count: 635 Referencing GRAVELLS, A. 2011. Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. (4th Edition). Exeter. Learning Matters Limited