EQUAL, INCLUSION AND  DIVERSITY POLICY

Ashington Minors will aim to treat everyone with equal concern according to their individual needs, regardless of their religious persuasion, racial origin, cultural and linguistic background's, social group or disability.  We recognise that all children are different and aim to identify how best to support each and every child and their family.  We promote anti-discriminatory practice to build an inclusive environment so that every child can fulfill their potential. We aim to keep up with all legislation around equality issues and attend training if needed.  We also aim to provide an inclusive environment for both children and adults recognising that as individuals they require some form of support.  We also recognise that in some cases this may be specific and sometimes require the help of outdoor agencies.

 SERVICE PROVISION AND EMPLOYMENT

 No child shall be discriminated against on the grounds of sex, race, religion,colour or creed.

We aim to make access to our services, activities and buildings suitable to the needs

of disabled children or adults and to cater for the needs of the local community in all

aspects.

We will aim to teach the value of diversity and to value each individual without

prejudice.

We hope to meet this through the help of those clients who will use us by listening to

the needs of each individual and assessing what we can do to meet their requirements

in regards to race, culture, disability, social group, background and dietary needs.

We aim to have members of staff qualified to teach those with special needs including

the use of sign language.

To provide easy access to all entrances and activities by providing ramps and other

specialist equipment that may be required.

We would listen and learn from those who are experienced and seek out any help that

we will need to aid us in our aims. A copy of our policy will be made available to

members of staff and clients. This policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and any

changes made.

All staff will have a clear and working knowledge of this policy and it will be the

manager's responsibility to ensure that they are carried out.

All staff are to be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB),any positions that arise within the setting are advertised widely and in the local community and the position will be given to the best candidate regardless of their race, religion, home language, family background, gender or disability and/or learning difficulty.

 STAFF

 Here at Ashington Minors we are committed to our  staff and their fair treatment, also potential staff and all users of the service, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age or physical/mental disability.

 Claire Tatum our nominated equality representative promotes good practice within the setting in accordance to our policies.

 All staff members within the setting have knowledge of our Equality policy and share the responsibility of ensuring that we provide a fully inclusive service for the children and their parents/carers and families.  .All staff know the importance of promoting equality and challenging discrimination.

 All staff are encouraged to attend training to keep them up to date with new developments .

 ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES

 At Ashington Minors we aim to provide a safe, warm, welcoming environment so that the children  feel secure and can flourish, all children's contributions are valued.  Available resources give a balanced view of the world and an appreciation of the diversity within our society.  We encourage children to recognise and value similarities and differences between themselves and others, this is done through play, equipment and activities.  All of our physical resources are appropriate to the children's sizes, height and physical needs, this includes child sized tables and chairs and toilets and sinks at their level so they are easily accessed. 

 We work with outdoor agencies such as Speech and Language Therapists to ensure that the children are given the best care and learning opportunities.

 EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE FRAMEWORK

 Each child has their own learning journal to map their learning journey within the setting and each child is encouraged to recognise their own unique qualities and characteristics.  We ensure that all children have the opportunity to experience an enjoyable and challenging programme of learning and development.  We carry out assessments and observations which allows the key person to plan for each child's individual needs within the weekly planning.  All activities and experiences are appropriate to each child's age, stages of development and levels of understanding.  We differentiate experiences and activities to suit childrens individual needs,  this is to ensure that all children can participate in them, including children with Special Educational Needs.  We plan opportunities that build on and extend all childrens knowledge, interests,experiences and skills and also develop their self-esteem and confidence in their ability to learn.

 INCLUSIVE PRACTICE

 All staff at Ashington Minors share the responsibility of ensuring that we provide a fully inclusive service for our children and their parents/carers and their families.  Upon starting at the Nursery each child is appointed a key worker who's job it is to liaise with parents/carers and families to identify childrens individual needs and requirements to ensure that we provide a fully inclusive service for each and every child.  We will identify and provide additional support and resources for individual children, where needed.  We aim to be fully aware of any special arrangement that may be necessary to ensure that any children with disabilities or learning difficulties are fully included in all planned activities for the children.  When the setting plans any outings, arrangements will be made to include all children, we will take into account all childrens individual needs and any adjustments will be made, for instance one-to-one care for the outing.

  WORKING WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

 At Ashington Minors we have a copy of all our policies and procedures just for the parents that they can request to see at any time.  If any parents  have any contributions they wish to make to the Nursery they will be gratefully received and if any parents wish to help out on occasions such as trips this would be welcome.  We have an all about me book which we ask the parents to contribute to with photographs and information on their families.  Every year we have a fundraiser which we encourage the parents to attend so that they can meet other families and help the setting raise money, this has been a success.

 DISCRIMINATORY BEHAVIOUR

 At Ashington Minors we take all incidents of discrimination very seriously and aim to challenge open prejudice and discrimination when it occurs, this will be done in a sensitive and constructive way.  We will support any child, member of staff or parent who encounters discrimination or harassment in a sensitive and constructive manner.

 Any concerns of discrimination should be reported to the Manager immediately, the manager will discuss the matter with the Deputy Manager and decide whether discrimination has occurred and agree on the appropriate response and actions to be taken. Actions will be implemented and monitored as appropriate.  A report will be produced detailing the incident and recording any actions or outcome, where appropriate  other agencies will be informed.

 We would like it to be known that if any person believes that the policy of Ashington Minors has not been totally complied with it will be their duty to bring this to the attention of the manager.