At School of Play we will ensure that we provide a safe and caring environment, free from discrimination, for everyone in our community including children with additional needs.
To achieve the set objective of creating an environment free from discrimination and welcoming to all, the Club will:
1.Respect the different racial origins, religions, cultures and languages in a multi-ethnic society so that each child is valued as an individual without racial or gender stereotyping.
2. Not discriminate against children on the grounds of disability, sexual orientation, class, family status or HIV/Aids status.
3. Help all children to celebrate and express their cultural and religious identity by providing a wide range of appropriate resources and activities.
4. Strive to ensure that children feel good about themselves and others, by celebrating the differences which make us all unique individuals.
5. Ensure that its services are available to all parents/carers and children in the local community.
6. Ensure that the Club’s recruitment policies and procedures are open, fair and non-discriminatory.
7. Work to fulfil all the legal requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
We will monitor and review the effectiveness of our inclusive practice by conducting an Inclusion Audit on an annual basis.
Challenging inappropriate attitudes and practices
We will challenge inappropriate attitudes and practices by engaging children and adults in discussion, by displaying positive images of race and disability, and through our staff modelling anti-discriminatory behaviour at all times. We will also celebrate the different cultures and religions of each child in the setting.
Racial harassment
The Club will not tolerate any form of racial harassment. The Club will challenge racist and discriminatory remarks, attitudes and behaviour from the children at the Club, from staff and from any other adults on Club premises (e.g. parents/carers collecting children).
Promoting equal opportunities
It will be the responsibility of the manager to ensure:
1. Staff receive relevant and appropriate training.
2. The Equalities policy is consistent with current legislation and guidance.
3. Appropriate action is taken wherever discriminatory behaviour, language or attitudes occur.
Children with additional needs
School of Play & School of Sport recognises that some children have additional needs or physical disabilities that require particular support and assistance. We will assess the individual needs of each child in consultation with the school’s SENDCO and their parents prior to them attending the club, and will make reasonable adjustments to ensure that children can access our services and are made to feel welcome.
Where one-to-one support is required, we will assist parents in accessing the funding required to provide the additional care.
All staff will work with the manager, parents/carers and school to manage the provision for children with special educational needs or physical disabilities. They will also undertake any training required to support the child.
Date reviewed: 18th October 2023
Review By: Ashlea Brewin
Head of Compliance
Reviewed annually or when there is a change in legislation