Equal Opportunities Policy

Policies Statement of Intent

Movilla Playgroup and Nursery is committed to promoting equality of opportunity by providing activities which are open to all children and their families.  We aim to ensure that all individuals who wish to work in our setting as staff or volunteers have an equal opportunity to do so.

We promote equal opportunities through a wide range of policies and procedures which are reflected in the practice of our early years’ setting.

Our Playgroup and Nursery welcomes everyone in the community regardless of religious affiliation, political background, race, culture, linguistic needs, disability, age, sexual or gender orientation and those coming from varying care experienced backgrounds.

We welcome all parents/carers as partners recognising them as the main influence and educator of their children.  We recognise them as having a wide range of natural abilities and talents and see them as a valuable resource.

We are committed to working closely with specialists and parents to ensure children with special needs are given equal opportunities to develop and realise their full potential.

Procedures

We provide equal opportunities by ensuring that:

• Playgroup and Nursery meetings are held at a time and venue that enable the majority of parents/carers to attend and to ensure equal access to information and involvement in the setting.
• Basic information, written and verbal, will be clearly communicated in as many languages and mediums as is necessary and possible.
• Efforts will be made to accommodate individuals who use sign language as a means of communication.
• All children will be respected and their individuality and potential recognised, valued and nurtured.
• Activities and the use of play equipment should offer children opportunities to develop in an environment free from prejudice and discrimination.

Through the proactive use of planning and curriculum development opportunities will be given to children to explore, acknowledge and value similarities and differences between themselves and others.

All materials are to positively and accurately reflect cultural and racial diversity.   These materials should help children to develop their self-respect and respect other people by avoiding stereotypes.  Boys and girls are to have equal opportunities and be actively encouraged to use all activities.

Any discrimination (language, behaviour or remarks) by children, parents or staff/volunteers is unacceptable in the setting.

Discrimination will be positively challenged by supporting the victim and helping those responsible to understand and overcome their prejudices.

We aim to show respect for and awareness of all major events in the lives of the children and families in the setting and in the wider society.

Without indoctrination, we aim to acknowledge festivals celebrated by families in our local community and in the wider society through stories, activities, special food and clothing which reflect the diversity of life.