Introduction to Equality free essay sample

These can be along  the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs,  political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration  of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. Equality means giving all children the best possible opportunities to achieve their potential in the setting. This does not necessarily mean treating all children ‘equally’ or every child achieving ‘the same’. Some will need special, or different, levels of support or challenge. This means planning for effective learning and development for all children irrespective of disability, heritage, special educational needs, social group, gender, physical or emotional needs, race or culture. Inclusion embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and child and his or her family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts. Indirect or inadvertently occurring discrimination is often more difficult to spot, as it occurs when practice and procedures are applied without consideration to individuals’ circumstances. We will write a custom essay sample on Introduction to Equality or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page A child or a worker will not be excluded directly but will be unable to participate because of their personal situation. For example, a nursery visit to caves where pupils must wear a hard hat will indirectly discriminate against a pupil who wears a turban as part of their religion. 1. 3 Explain how practices that support inclusion reduce the likelihood of discrimination. You should always be aware of practises within your workplace that might exclude some individuals. Some of these practices could be changed or modified in order to be more inclusive. All organisations are required to have policies and procedures that support agreed ways of working with partners, and within the current legislative requirements. The Equality Act has three main purposes: * To establish the Commission for Equality and Human Rights * To make discrimination unlawful on the grounds of religion or belief in the provision of goods, facilities and services, the disposal and management or premises, education, and the exercise of public functions * To create a duty on public authorities to promote equality of opportunity between men and women, and to prohibit sex discrimination in the exercise of public functions. Part of being respectful towards other people is being sensitive to the language you use to refer to them. The words we use to express ourselves can affect the concepts, values and attitudes we develop; they mould the way we think and may lead us to distorted or limited opinions. Language can reinforce the development of stereotyped and prejudiced ideas or it can help us think constructively and treat others respectfully. Talking about ‘a child with Down’s syndrome’ rather than ‘Down’s child’ puts the child first and their disability second and helps us to focus on the child as a person. You can also show respect to others by being prepared to discuss differences openly with children and to answer their questions.