1.3 Explain how inclusive practice promotes equality and supports diversity Inclusive practice promotes a child’s right to access to equal opportunities. By ensuring that this happens promotes diversity.
There are various pieces of legislation which have been put in place to promote equality and reduce discrimination.
These include:
• The Disability Discrimination Act 2005
• The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001
• The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
• Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006
• Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN, 1989)
• The Human Rights Act 1998
• The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (as amended)
• Employment Equality Regulations 2003
The aim the legislation is to promote equality of opportunity for all. This is regardless of age, sex, sexuality, disability, race, religion or any other difference. The legislation should have an impact on the way organisations provide and organise services, and on the way practitioners approach their practice. It is important to recognise however that whilst legislation is important, as it does protect people. It cannot change people's attitudes. This means that good practice should ensure that practitioners are constantly able to evaluate what they do, and they should receive appropriate support and training in this area.
Inclusion - A right to be included
By using the principle that inclusion is a right for all children, early years settings can make sure that every child:
• has an equal chance to learn and develop
• participates equally in activities
• is given the opportunity to communicate in their preferred format
• has their individual needs known and met
• feels safe and know they belong
• is valued as a unique individual and
• Feels strong and confident about their identity.
Early years settings should ensure that a child’s right to be included is at the heart