Explain what is meant by:
1a) Diversity
Diversity means valuing and celebrating the differences between people, so, treating people as individuals. This could be based on a person’s background and personality. Diversity needs to be strongly thought about when it comes to people’s needs and requirements and to become understanding of people’s lives.
1b) Equality
Equality means everyone having equal opportunities, to be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential regardless of individuals circumstances i.e. race, culture and gender. Everyone should be given a fair chance.
1c) Inclusion
Inclusion is simply to be “included”. Inclusion is used to ensure that people with disabilities and needs are not restricted from activities and tasks due to this. Inclusion is about valuing all individuals and giving them a fair chance to be included without discrimination.
1d) Discrimination
Discrimination is the unjust treating of an individual or groups based on, to name a few, age, caste, racial or ethnic backgrounds and religion. One example if an employer were looking more to employ a young person other than an older person, this is ageism which is discrimination.
1.2 Describe ways in which discrimination may deliberately or inadvertently occur in the work setting
One example of discrimination in the work place can be due to gender. Such situation could arise, when an employee earns more money than that of the opposite sex despite holding the same amount of experience, this is a deliberate discrimination. Discrimination can also occur inadvertently, for example, an employer could ask for all employees are clean shaven, which, could be a disadvantage to some religious groups.
1.3 Explain how practices that support equality and inclusion reduce the likelihood of discrimination
Equality and inclusion reduce discrimination, for if there is more equality included in everyday life, more people will feel like they have equal rights. This means there is less discrimination because everyone is getting treated equally.
2. Be able to work in an inclusive way
2.1 Identify which legislation and codes of practice relating to equality, diversity and discrimination, apply to own role.
The Equality Act 2010 brings together all acts relating to equality and discrimination. The Act applies to all organisations that provide a service to the public. The Act protects all individuals and groups from discrimination. Early years setting must be aware of these laws and have in place a policy regarding equality of opportunities and for supporting children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Within my setting we have an Equality and Diversity policy and a SEN and disability policy these policies must be followed by staff and integrated in to our working practice.
2.2 Show interaction with individuals that demonstrate that their beliefs, culture, values and preferences are respected.
2.3 Describe how to challenge discrimination in a way that encourages change.
Discuss with the supervisors and colleagues why certain practices are in place. If discrimination presents itself call for a meeting with the supervisors and staff to bring this to their attention in order to improve on certain codes of practice. Furthermore if doing an activity with children and you find the activity is aimed at girls more than boys, challenge why there is a separation in the gender stereotype in order to change the activity to prevent this sort of discrimination.
3. Know how to access information, advice and support about diversity, equality and inclusion
3.1 Identify a range of sources of information, advice and support about diversity, equality and inclusion.
Legislation such as Equality Act 2010, my line manager, my settings Policies & Procedures, my colleagues, training (e.g. Equality & Diversity, Safeguarding,) the internet, books, articles and reports and organisations such as British Institute for Learning Disabilities.
3.2 Describe how and when to access information, advice and support about diversity, equality and inclusion.
How- Access government websites that list all the current legislation in place to protect individuals. You could also approach your supervisor or manager to discuss own policies.
When- When a difficult situation arises and you feel unable to support an individual i.e. an individual may not speak the same language or may be disabled and unable to access a certain service.
