Policy statement #
We will ensure that our service is fully inclusive in meeting the needs of all children, particularly those that arise from their ethnic heritage, social and economic background, gender, ability or disability. Our settings are committed to anti-discriminatory practice to promote equality of opportunity and valuing diversity for all children and families.
We aim to:
- provide a secure and accessible environment in which all our children can flourish and in which all contributions are considered and valued;
- include and value the contribution of all families to our understanding of equality and diversity;
- provide positive non-stereotyping information about gender roles, diverse ethnic and cultural groups and disabled people;
- improve our knowledge and understanding of issues of anti-discriminatory practice, promoting equality and valuing diversity; and
- make inclusion a thread that runs through all of the activities of the setting.
Procedures #
Admissions (also see admissions policy)
Our settings are open to all members of the community.
We advertise our service widely.
We reflect the diversity of our society in our publicity and promotional materials.
We provide information in clear, concise language, whether in spoken or written form.
We provide information in as many languages as possible, where requested, and we can also access an interpreting service if required.
We base our admissions policy on a fair system.
We include an extract from the Valuing Diversity and Promoting Equality policy in our Information Pack.
We do not discriminate against a child or their family, or prevent entry to our settings, on the basis of colour, ethnicity, religion or social background, such as being a member of a Travelling community or an Asylum Seeker.
We do not discriminate against a child with a disability or refuse a child entry to our setting for reason relating to disability.
We develop an action plan to ensure that people with disabilities can participate successfully in the services offered by the setting and in the curriculum offered.
We take action against any discriminatory behaviour by staff, children or parents/carers. Displaying of openly discriminatory and possibly offensive materials, name calling, or threatening behaviour are unacceptable on or around the premises and will be dealt with in the strongest manner.
Challenging inappropriate attitudes and practices #
We will challenge inappropriate attitudes and practices by engaging children and adults in discussion, by displaying positive images of race and disability, and through our staff modelling anti-discriminatory behaviour at all times.
Racial harassment #
The Camps will not tolerate any form of racial harassment. The Camp will challenge racist and discriminatory remarks, attitudes and behaviour from the children at the Camp, from staff and from any other adults on Camp premises (eg parents/carers collecting children).
Promoting equal opportunities #
The Camps Equal Opportunities Named Coordinator (ENCO) is Alisha Hughes. The ENCO is responsible for ensuring that:
- Staff receive relevant and appropriate training
- TheEqualities policy is consistent with current legislation and guidance
- Appropriate action is taken wherever discriminatory behaviour, language or attitudes occur.
Children with additional needs #
Our Camp recognises that some children have additional needs or physical disabilities that require particular support and assistance. We will assess the individual needs of each child in consultation with their parents prior to their attending the Camps and will make reasonable adjustments to ensure that children can access our services and are made to feel welcome.
Where one-to-one support is required, we will assist parents in accessing the funding required to provide the additional care.
Special Educational Needs Coordinator #
The Camp’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) will:
Manage the provision for children with special educational needs or physical disabilities.
Be fully trained and experienced in the care and assessment of such children.
All members of staff will assist the SENCO in caring for children with additional needs or physical disabilities.
Employment
Posts are advertised and all applicants are judged against explicit and fair criteria.
Applicants are welcome from all backgrounds and posts are open to all.
We may use the exemption clauses in relevant legislation to enable the service to best meet the needs of the community.
The applicant who best meets the criteria is offered the post, subject to references and checks by the Criminal Records Bureau. This ensures fairness in the selection process.
All job descriptions include a commitment to promoting equality and recognising and respecting diversity as part of their specifications.
We monitor our application process to ensure that it is fair and accessible.
Training #
We seek out training opportunities for staff and volunteers to enable them to develop anti- discriminatory and inclusive practices, which enable all children to flourish.
We ensure that staff are confident and fully trained in administering relevant medicines and performing invasive care procedures when these are required.
We will endeavour to give staff opportunities for coaching and training, mutual support, teamwork, continuous improvement and encourage confidential discussion on sensitive issues.
We review our practices to ensure that we are fully implementing our policy for promoting equality, valuing diversity and inclusion.
Valuing diversity in families #
We welcome the diversity of family lifestyles and work with all families.
We encourage children to contribute stories of their everyday life to the setting.
We encourage parents/carers to take part in the life of the setting and to contribute fully.
For families who speak languages in addition to English, we will develop means to ensure their full inclusion.
We offer a flexible payment system for families of differing means and offer information regarding sources of financial support.
Monitoring and reviewing #
To ensure our policies and procedures remain effective we will monitor and review them annually to ensure our strategies meets the overall aims to promote equality, inclusion and valuing diversity.
We provide a complaints procedure and a complaints summary record for parents/carers to see.
Legal framework
The Equality Act 2006
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, 2005
Race Relations Act 1976
Race Relations Amendment Act 2000
Sex Discrimination Act 1976,1986
Children Act 1989, 2004
Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001
