Discrimination and Children

Unit 5: Promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Work with Children and Young People
1.1 Identify the current legislation and codes of practice relevant to the promotion of equality and valuing of diversity
The current codes of practice relevant to the promotion of equality and valuing of diversity are as follows:-
Every Child Matters 2003 and Children Act 2004 updated in 2010 Help Children Achieve More – Organisations and agencies involved with children between birth and 19 years should ensure children to be Safe, Healthy, Enjoy and Achieve, Economic well-being and Positive contribution.

Equality Act 2010 – Anti-discrimination legislation. To reinforce inclusion of any child regardless of disability or race.

SEN code of Practice 2001- The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001. Strengthened the rights of parents and SEN children to a main stream education.

Human Rights Act 1998 – Highlighted the principle that all humans have the same rights and should be treated equally.

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 leads on from the Human Rights Act and sets out the rights of all children to be treated equally and fairly and without discrimination.

1.2 Explain the importance of promoting the rights of all children and young people to participation and equality of access
It is important to promote the rights of all children and young adults to participation and equality of access for the reasons of:-
A. Human Rights
All children have a right to learn and play together.
Children should not be discriminated against for any reason.
Inclusion is concerned with improving schools for staff as well as pupils.

B. Equal Opportunities in education
Children do better in inclusive settings, both academically and socially.
Children should not need to be separated to achieve adequate educational provision.
Inclusive education is a more efficient use of educational resources.

C. Social Opportunities
Inclusion in education is one aspect of inclusion in society.
Children need to be involved and integrated with all of their peers.

1.3 Explain the importance and benefits of valuing and promoting cultural diversity in work with children and young people
The benefits of valuing and promoting cultural diversity are that children will grow up in an environment which values cultural diversity and enables us to learn from one another. Children will also become used to finding out about other cultures and beliefs from an early age. In this way they will not grow up thinking that their own culture is the same as everyone else’s.
Children from all backgrounds need to know that their culture and status is valued to help them feel settled and secure. This then contributes to their being able to learn. If they feel isolated or anxious, it is more likely that learning will be difficult for them.