Equal Opportunities Policy

At the Nishkam Nursery, we believe that every child, parent or carer, and member of staff has the capability to reach their full potential through the provisions of equal opportunity. We aim to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities in accessing our services and promote a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice throughout our provision. We aim to provide a sensitive service founded on equality and will not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, culture, language, age, sexuality, disability, ability, or social background. Toys, books, resources, and equipment will be provided to reflect girls, boys, the elderly, people with disabilities and special needs, different races and cultural and religious groups, in a way that is positive, respectful and appropriate. Staff will be cautious about their approach to children and families in order to value individuality, whilst challenging discrimination. Everyone will be treated as an individual with equal concern, recognising varying degrees of need. We aim to support each child’s self- confidence by promoting their positive self- image to feel good about themselves. Within the nursery we will not accept derogatory remarks in any form and will challenge them in a positive manner. Our Equal Opportunity Policy will link with the Racial Equality Policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, Special Needs Policy and Recruitment and Selection Policy.

Management will:

• Assess equality of the Nursery using assessments and observations
• Have an Open Door Policy to ensure parents are given a voice and to have a definite involvement/input when making decisions concerning the nursery
• Parent’s evenings will be held each term to promote and discuss feedback

Individual needs to be met by:

• Monitoring the waiting list to determine that each child is offered a place according to the priority of their individual needs
• Assigning each child a Key Person on admission who will endeavor to work in partnership with the parents and carers, gathering information to meet their individual needs
• Key Person will consistently keep records to update parents on their child’s development in reviews
• Recording individual dietary needs and informing the cook of changes and adjustments
• Making adaptations to activities, equipment and planning to allow each child to work at their own pace
• Training staff according to their individual needs, identifying areas that require further training and ensuring that courses are allocated appropriately, equally and fairly

Special Educational Needs and Disability Children have the right to be included regardless of ability, disability or any other impairment. Needs can be identified and supported for inclusion by:

• Working to the Code of Practice with Children
• The use of the Nursery and Area SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) to support staff, parents and carers, and children
• Aiming to provide adequate specialised equipment according to needs and appropriateness
• Ensuring all staff have special needs training
• Including I.E.P’s (Individual Educational Plans) and Play Plans in planning for the curriculum
• Working with other professionals
• Finding adequate forms of communication, such as Makaton, Symbols, signing and Braille

Multi-Cultural Centre We aim to provide a service that reflects Multi-Culturalism ensuring:

• The staff team reflects the diversities of the community as regards to race, religion and culture
• A variety of festivals are celebrated to nurture respect for all beliefs
• The resources and equipment reflects a multi-cultural nursery
• Communication is sustained well, regardless of language barriers by using dual language signs and interpreters
• Images portrayed are positive in posters, displays, work, books, toys etc
• A variety of multi-cultural menus are provided and reviewed with the cook on a regular basis

Anti-Discriminatory Practice Staff are committed to anti-discrimination and will:

• Adopt a sensitive service with an anti-oppressive ethos
• Review annually and display equality statements and policies
• Positively challenge all derogatory remarks or behaviour, acting as role models and rejecting a lip service
• Use non-stereotypical activities, toys, equipment, etc.

 Updated April 2019