Every school must produce a range of policies which formally set out guidelines and procedures for ensuring equality. These policies must take account the rights of all children and young people. The policies in place work to ensure equality and inclusion; this can be conducted through the teaching and learning that occurs in the setting. However, the policies must also pay regard to the values and practice which are part of all aspects of school life. All work with children should be underpinned by the principles and values as stated in the National Occupational Standards in Children’s Core Learning and Development.
These principles and values are stated below: Principles 1. The welfare of the child is paramount 2. Practitioners contribute to children’s care, education and learning, and this is reflected in every aspect of practice and service provision. 3. Practitioners work with parents and families who are partners in the care, development and learning of their children and are the child’s first and most enduring educators. Values 1. The needs, rights and views of the child are the centre of all practice and provision 2. Individuality, difference and diversity are equally valued and celebrated 3.
Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice are actively promoted 4. Children’s health and well-being are actively promoted 5. Children’s personal and physical safety is safeguarded whilst allowing for risk and challenge as appropriate to the capabilities of the child 6. Self esteem, resilience and positive self image are recognised as essential to every child’s development 7. Confidentiality and agreements about confidential information are respected as appropriate unless a child’s protection and well-being is at stake 8.
The Essay on Professional practice in children’s care learning and development
... to children’s care learning and development in every aspect of our practice and service by constantly reviewing our work through our daily ... in children’s care, learning and development At all times in our centre the welfare of the child is paramount and ... with respect, in line with our equal opportunities policies and procedures. Children are recognised and valued as individuals and encouraged ...
Professional knowledge, skills and values are shared appropriately in order to enrich the experience of children more widely 9. Best practice requires reflection and a continuous search for improvement The rights of all children and young people are stated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
The UK government ratified the treaty in 1991 and must ensure that the rights of children in the UK are protected through law. These rights are extensive and include the right to education and the right for children to have their views respected.
The table below lists the relevant legislation, which forms a basis for government statutory codes of practice and frameworks and social policies and procedures relating to equal opportunity and inclusive practice. Legislation| Purpose| Disability Discrimination Act 1995| Protects the rights of all those with disabilities. It also places a duty on schools plus other organisations to eliminate barriers to ensure that individuals can gain equal access to services.
