Equal Opportunities

Binstead Stepping Stones Pre-School believes that its activities should be open to all children and families and to all adults committed to their education and care. We aim to ensure that all who wish to work in, or volunteer to help with, our pre-school have an equal chance to do so. This is implemented in accordance with all relevant legislation, including:-

Disability Discrimination Act 2002
Race Relations Act 1976
Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
Sex Discrimination Act 1986
Children Act 1989
Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001.

Admissions

Children are admitted in accordance with the Admissions

Policy.

Employment

Any vacancies will be advertised. The pre-school will appoint the best fit for each job role, and will treat all applicants for jobs and all those appointed fairly.

Commitment to implementing the group's Equal Opportunity Policy will form part of the job description for all workers.

Families

The pre-school recognises that many different types of family successfully love and care for children. The pre-school aims to offer support to all families.

The pre-school offers a flexible payment system for families with differing means.

Festivals

The pre-school aims to show respectful awareness of all the major events in the lives of the children and families in the pre-school and welcomes the diversity of the backgrounds from which they come. We aim to acknowledge all the festivals that are celebrated in our area and/or by the families involved in the pre-school. Children and families will be invited to share their festival with the rest of the group, if they themselves wish to do so. Children will become familiar with and enjoy taking part in a range of festivals, together with the stories, celebrations and special food and clothing they involve, as part of the diversity of life.

The Curriculum

All children will be respected and their individuality and potential recognised, valued and nurtured. Activities and the use of play equipment offer children opportunities to develop in an environment free from prejudice and discrimination. Opportunities will be given to children to explore, acknowledge and value similarities and differences between themselves and others. Both girls and boys have full access to activities and equipment and are equally encouraged to enjoy and learn from them.

Resources

These will be chosen to give children a balanced view of the world and an appreciation of the rich diversity of our modern society. Materials will be selected to help children to develop their self-respect and to respect other people by avoiding discrimination and stereo-typing of any group.

Special Needs

The pre-school recognises the wide range of special needs of children and families in the community, and will consider what part it can play in meeting their needs.

Planning for pre-school meetings and events will take into account the needs of people with any additional needs.

Discriminatory Behaviour/Remarks

These are unacceptable in life and so are also unacceptable in the pre-school.

The response will aim to be sensitive to the feelings of the victim(s) and to help those responsible to understand and overcome their prejudices.

Language

Basic information, written and spoken, will be clearly communicated in as many languages as are necessary and possible.

Bilingual/multilingual children and adults are an asset. They will be valued and their languages recognised and respected in the pre-school.

Food

Working in partnership with parents, children's medical, cultural and dietary needs will be met.

Meetings

Any general meetings will be called and held at a suitable time such that all families will have an equal opportunity to attend.