Equality, diversity and inclusion
The Alliance believes that all children and adults have the right to be treated equally. However, in the United Kingdom many families and their children face inequality and exclusion for reasons relating to:
For more information about these strands of equality please visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission website www.equalityhumanrights.com
A right to be included
By using the principle that inclusion is a right for all children, early years settings can make sure that every child:
- has an equal chance to learn and develop
- participates equally in activities
- is given the opportunity to communicate in their preferred format
- has their individual needs known and met
- feels safe and know they belong
- is valued as a unique individual and
- feels strong and confident about their identity.
Early years settings should ensure that a child’s right to be included is at the heart of their practice by fully implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and guidance
Lawful practice
Government legislation sets out a framework for addressing equality and inclusion. For more information about current legislation visit www.idea.gov.uk
In April 2010 before the dissolution of the current Government three Bills received Royal Assent:
- Equality Act
- Child Poverty Act
- Anti‑Slavery Day Act
For more information about these Acts please visit http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2010a
A Children’s Rights Bill is currently pending processing after the formation of a new Government. The purpose of the Bill is to enshrine the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in UK law. For more information about the progress of this Bill visit http://services.parliament.uk/bills/
The Alliance recommends that settings formulate and implement a Single Equality Scheme (SES) to ensure that practice is lawful and inclusive. For information on how to implement a SES,
click here
Supporting settings
The Alliance supports settings to be inclusive by:
- offering advice, support and training on inclusive practice
- providing a voice for the sector to raise relevant issues to other voluntary organisations and government bodies
- holding an annual inclusion conference
- providing a helpline for member settings and parents to deal with enquiries relating to inclusion: 0207 697 2557/0207 697 2574
- producing publications, research and downloadable resources.
Contact us
For more information, contact Nicky Gibson, Inclusion Manager, on 020 7697 2557 or email nicola.gibson@pre‑school.org.uk