Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Work with Children and Young People

2.4 equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people
1.2
Every Child Matters 2003 and Children Act 2004 Put into place to ensure all organisations and agencies involved with children between birth and 19 years should work together to ensure that children have the support needed to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well - being
Every school has policies now to set guidelines and procedures for ensuring equality and participation. In 1991 the rights of all children was to be adhered to by law. These laws ensure the children have a right to an education and have a right to have their views respected. Each school must produce a range of policies which formally set out the guidelines and procedures for ensuring equality.
It is vital to support participation and equality of access in a school. All pupils have the right to a broad and balanced curriculum available to them regardless of race, religion sex disability.
All pupils should have the same opportunities and be listened to , involved in decisions this makes a child feel more valued and have ownership makes them feel a part of something every child has a voice and to listen means you can find out what works and what doesn’t.
Supporting the rights of all children helps pupils too a) raise achievement: understanding those barriers and how to break them down by intervention strategies e.g. additional support. Having high expectations also is essential for pupils so reach high potential.
b) Develop a sense of identity schools must support pupil’s access all areas of the school, to support independence let learners think for themselves. This all helps children become their own person and have their own identity.
c) Improve relationships between individuals and groups: policies give out positive, clear messages to respect those around you . treat one as you would treat urself the old saying goes. As a teaching assistant or member of staff it is vital you model this type of respect as the children are relying on you as their role models.
1.3
Not all children are the same, it is very important you understand the cultural diversity of children. If you penalise a child because of their differences what are you saying to that child? They are unwanted, they are different and don’t have rights.
Every child has the right to learn, every child should have the chance to an education Just because for example a child can’t speak a local language doesn’t mean they don’t belong, adaptions can be made to support this difference and to allow that child to be included e.g. a translator.
As a teaching assistant to make a connection to culture and background of the pupils allows a strong connection to be made this helps you be able to provide good support for the children.

In a school setting different cultures and backgrounds need to be recognised and taught this contributes to a full education e.g. looking at foods, festivals, languages, stories, music. It helps children understand the world they live in and why differences in life are around us so they accept them and include those differences smoothly within there every day lives.