Equal Opportunities policy for childminders

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

POLICY STATEMENT:

As a registered childminder I help children to consider and value diversity and learn about different cultures from their own and to develop positive attitudes towards people who are different from themselves.

I value and respect the different racial origins, religions, cultures and languages in a multi-ethnic society so that each child is valued as an individual without racial or gender stereotyping. I will also not discriminate against children on the grounds of disability, sexual orientation, age, class, family status, and HIV/Aids status.

I will make sure that I actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practices for all children. I will make sure that I treat all children with equal concern and respect.

PROCEDURE

All children will be treated as an individual and with equal concern e.g.
• I offer boys and girls the same activities and toys (except a toy that presents a safety hazard to younger children).
• I provide activities that can be enjoyed by all children (if they want to).
• I have equally high expectations of children whatever their gender, ethnicity or disabilities.
I encourage children to gain a sense of their own identity and culture e.g.
• I call children and families by the names they prefer
• I encourage children to see that everyone looks different in some way and that is what makes them unique.
• We celebrate things that are special to the children in my care e.g. birthdays, religious festivals. We also welcome the opportunity to learn about other people’s culture, language and festivals.

I provide equipment such as a full range of books, puzzles and other toys that provide positive images of people of difference races and cultures and examples of the diversity of life in our society in accordance to the Inclusive Practice guidelines within Early Years Foundation Stage

Books, puzzles and equipment showing:
• People from different racial origins and cultural backgrounds
• Different family groupings
• People dressed in different ways
• Disabled people
• Different languages
I will provide a full range of challenging and enjoyable opportunities for each child in my care to learn and develop to their full potential taking into account each child's age, stage of development, growth, gender, home language, ethnicity and any special needs.
I respect and consider family’s customs, beliefs and wishes. I will always help children to feel good about themselves and others by celebrating the differences, which make us all unique.
Any abusive or discriminative attitudes and behaviour will be taken seriously and I will immediately explain to the child / children why such act or behaviour is not accepted.

I recognise and welcome all legislation and existing codes of practice produced by appropriate commissions, for example the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

I have read, understood and accept the Equal Opportunities Policy & Procedures.

Child-minder’s name:……………………………………………………………

Child-minder’s signature:………………………………Date:…………………

Parent(s)’ name:…………………………………………………………………

Parent(s)’ signature:…………………………………….Date:………………...

OFSTED reg no:…………………………………………………………………

Date policy was written: ……………………………

Review Date: ………………………………………..