Unit_222

Unit 204 – Equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1 In my opinion living in a diverse society, along with understanding and knowledge is a positive route to acceptance on a variety of levels. When looking at my own life values and experiences I feel that as a person I don’t have prejudices and discrimination, however dependant on circumstances and peers I may on occasion say something deemed to be a prejudice however the audience I have understand that this isn’t my view and that the reason behind saying something is more as a joke, for example my dad is Scottish a prejudgment would be that he doesn’t like to spend money, never thinks its cold, drinks whiskey, so if I saw any of these things to him he knows it’s a joke messing around and can appreciate it for what it is without taking offence, (he cant stand whiskey, although people still buy him this, he himself states its not cold here, and who like to spend when you can get a better deal) . It Is of my opinion that when looking at discrimination and prejudices, you may be able to see or hear many people voicing their view point, however it is worth bearing in mind that the person speaking the words may not necessarily believe that to be their true opinion and that they are only displaying these prejudices and discrimination due to who they are with at that time. For example whilst working behind a bar you could be subject to or hear prejudices and discrimination and depending on circumstances (being a lone member of staff, the clientele, the person that said this to you) depends how you react to the person speaking, you may confront the person if you feel strong enough to do so, however you may need to go along with the conversation to avoid confrontation that could escalate, however another customer may overhear and this and presume you hold these views. By no means do I feel that this is acceptable to go along with others prejudices, however I do feel that the situation needs consideration before branding someone as being prejudice, and that all aspects should be considered prior to the branding, the people around where they understand the situation etc. When around children and young people its my opinion that they should be brought up to accept all cultures, race, religion, disability, skin tones and disability, I am of the opinion that all differences are what helps to make us who we are as a person and help develop ourselves in society. Whilst working with children who have no understanding or knowledge and from differing backgrounds it is important to remember that this can effect their point of view and understanding, how a child is brought up at home ad parental beliefs can be shown and could lead to discriminatory practice. As a basis areas such as special educational needs, disability and religious beliefs can be explained to children and young people to give them the knowledge and understanding to form their own opinion from facts. By not making assumptions about children and young peoples background, interests, abilities and needs its possible to provide more appropriate, effective and personalized support allowing them to all actively take part in schools and society as a whole, giving them a full understanding to accept all people for who they are and what they believe. It is important that schools don’t rely on policy and procedure to instill anti discriminatory practice, having a written document is one thing but if this isn’t being put in to practice on every level then the words are not worth the paper they are written on. The way in which all staff should promote anti discrimination are: * Being a good role model (if you demonstrate how to behave children will learn this is what is acceptable behaviour, and there for learn that all people are equal) * Be positive about differences (its differences which make us all unique and individual) * Listen and learn from children and young people (listen to concerns, worries, opinions, learn what they understand so that future delivery can be amended to provide a better understanding) * Give children the knowledge and support to challenge prejudice and discrimination (through understanding and knowledge a child can be confident to challenge negative behaviour towards them) * The ethos of the school should promote anti-discriminatory practice (this should be positive, shared values, purpose and belief) * Always recognize and question anti discriminatory behavior and attitudes. (Allowing it to happen, in my opinion is agreeing with it) It is important to promote anti discriminatory behaviour to ensure all children are treated as individuals and in a fair and equal way positive roles models in all areas of their lives are important, and discrimination of any kind should be challenged. All children are different and learn in different ways and at different rates. I should take this into account when assisting with planning lessons, to ensure all children are receiving the same opportunities as peers, regardless of ability. Ensuring equal access to resources and activities and encouraging all children to take part in activities together, not just typically stereotyped gender games (football for boys/ dance for girls, allow all to partake in both). Having positive role models such as fire women or nurses which are male can demonstrate both sexes can do all types of work. By having an understanding of how damaging prejudice and discrimination is, it can help to know why it is so important to stop it or change opinions. The whole school and staff should not show prejudice and discrimination against or towards others, rather they will work together knowing this will improve the outcomes for the children around them, showing how despite differences and differing opinions that the ability to work positively with others to work through problems and conflicts without aggression can lead to them being happy with their choices and their future lives. Adults can discriminate against each other and show their prejudices in ways that hurt or harm others children show they have witnessed this and been influenced by this showing the same discrimination and thinking/acting as this is an acceptable behaviour. To challenge this behaviour I feel you should: Intervene – firmly, knowing why you feel discrimination has occurred. Question – ask what child means by comment, to examine the extent of prejudice and discuss reasons (Such as why boys can’t play with dolls) Be relaxed – by being aggressive or negative it could show disrespect for others opinions. Support – ask for support if feeling uncomfortable By challenging discrimination indirectly this will help build self-confidence when needing to deal directly with discrimination in future. Within human rights inclusion is a right given to all children and young people. What this means is, inclusion is there to include all people no matter what their race, gender or disabilities are or any other needs, it is giving equal opportunities and therefore getting rid of discrimination, as everyone has a right to develop their own skills in their own way in a way that is suitable for their needs. Children and young people who have special educational needs are entitled to go to a mainstream school if that is what their parents wish for them, no school can turn a child down as this will mean they have been discriminated against because of the child’s learning needs, as long as a school has the resources there shouldn’t be any reason why the child cant attend. An inclusive school will work towards providing all the different resources to meet a variety of children’s individual needs. Inclusions is about providing equal opportunities for all children and young people, it is important that an inclusive setting provide for: * Ethnic minority * Asylum seekers * Travelers * People with a disability * Children who need help to learn English as an additional language * Children with special educational needs * Children who have been affected by exclusion from another school * The dictionary definition of inclusion is: [mass noun] the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure [count noun] a person or thing that is included within a whole. As a basis inclusion should mean that the setting in which the child will be working in will need to be considerate of a child’s needs, inclusion isn’t just for children with special educational needs but for the rights of all children to have equal rights and opportunities. In an inclusive practice all children and young people should be given the opportunity to access all areas of the curriculum for example, a child who may have difficulties with fine motor skills, using a different aid to their peers could assist them, this could be a thicker pencil to make it easier for them to grip and write, and a child who may need help with gross motor skills may need an aid to help them join in with PE, by being able to provide the resources a child may need will help the child to be able to participate without feeling left out. All schools and teaching staff should try and give all opportunities to help all children participate in school activities that the child wishes to take part in so that they feel comfortable to try, feel included and not made to feel different from their peers. An inclusive setting is one, which will use a whole school approach, barriers are recognized and strategies are put in place to remove them. For example, where children experience special educational needs or a disability, the school approach will be to focus on what they can do not on what they cant. The school should assist with additional measure such as ramp access, disabled toilets, lower/higher tables, hearing loops, in classroom support, pencils/pens appropriate to the needs of a child, setting attainable personal targets for a child, information in various forms such as larger print, audio tape, to meet the needs of the individual child, are all ways to help become an inclusive setting. A school setting that is inclusive will have the following procedures in place: * Barriers recognized: A good understanding of what barriers exists so that any difficulties a child may have accessing the curriculum can be addressed. * Barriers removed/minimized: adapted environment, recourses equipment provided and personalized support. * Non – Segregation: support supplied within the classroom so child is educated along side peers. * Open communication: Pupils use own view and opinion, which are listened to and valued * Policies and procedures: clear, in place, re-evaluated regularly. * Training: All staff receives current regular training. * Partnership: Children and young people, staff, governors and parents. * Outside agencies: Speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, ensuring children and young people receive the help and support appropriate to them. I feel that at some point in every child or young persons life there may be times that they feel isolated, lack self confidence or withdrawn, its my opinion that the school environment should be one of safety and opportunity. Any child or young person entering into or being apart of a school community should have all available resources to enable that child or young person to fully take part in the school life, curriculum, and activities. It is the role of the school, staff, governors, parents and outside agencies to work together to provide the support any child requires and to ensure that they are brought up to understand the effects and consequences that prejudices and discrimination can bring to others around them. All children and young people should be shown how a diverse society full of knowledge and understanding is of benefit to themselves, society and the future and that by being inclusive of all aspects of what make us different are the fundamental qualities that make us all unique and worth while in the society in which we live.