1

Demonstrate ways of applying the principles of equality, diversity

and anti-discriminatory practice in own work with children and

young people

The principles of equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice are not

complicated or difficult to do. They simply require a little bit of mindfulness and

awareness from people.

Principles of equality and diversity include things like:

Valuing diversity

Working against discrimination

Recognising that patterns of unfairness and inequality within society must be

challenged through positive action if they are to be reduced

Respecting the rights of individuals to hold their own values and views and

challenging them if they intimidate or humiliate others.

Actively supporting community and organisational efforts to promote diversity,

equality, and anti-discrimination.

2

Did you know?

The UNCRC is the most widely and quickly ratified treaty of human rights that has ever been

developed. Of all the countries of the world, only two countries, Somalia, and the USA, have

not ratified it yet. 192 countries have done so at the time of writing. The UNCRC acts to

standardise the rights of children in every country, which in turn enables international

organisations and legal apparatus to monitor, enable, and enforce children's human rights

throughout the world.

Ways in which you can apply these principles include things like helping children

achieve cultural aims during their school day, for example, by supporting a child to fast

during Ramadan at her parents' request; or showing an outward and obvious

appreciation of other cultures, for example, by welcoming an nflux of new traveller

children into the class.

Positive action can be demonstrated by using new and up-to-date resources, such as

interactive whiteboards, computer programs, and other technologies to help teach

children who might struggle with more traditional methods such as reading from

textbooks or listening to the teacher talk.

Altering learning materials so that they are more approachable and understandable

for children who have English as a secondary language, or for those who have learning

difficulties is also a positive action that can enable them to learn the same things at

the same level as everyone else. Delivering material differently, and utilising different

learning styles can be a very useful experience for everyone, not just children who

have difficulties taking in information in the mainstream way.

By including the whole class in new ways of learning, it is possible to de-stigmatise

those who have learning difficulties; the reduction of stigma means that discrimination

becomes less likely.

Class discussions around difficult issues - perhaps things that have happened in the

news or on a popular TV programme - can help bring views into the open and allows

them to be discussed in a safe environment, and this can foster confidence in children,

even if their views are different to others'.

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Working against discrimination

Anti-discrimination practice means fostering understanding, tolerance, and fair

treatment in everything you do, and at school this means that no child should be

discriminated against at any time. In most cases, anti-discrimination practice means enabling those who stand out from

the main group to be able to achieve and stand alongside everyone else without fear

of losing out or being humiliated or put down in some way.

In some circumstances, you may find that it is necessary to intervene if you hear any

kind of discriminatory language or see similar behaviour. Challenging unacceptable

behaviour or language is an important aspect of anti-discrimination practice, and it

does not mean that you are expected to sail into a discussion ready to beat down on

anyone who disagrees with you. It does, however, mean approaching the issue with

as much fairness towards the person who is using discriminatory language or

behaviour, and trying to demonstrate why it is better to be inclusive in attitude.

You might hear the word 'inclusion' a lot in terms of kids who have different cultures,

or who have different learning abilities, but it is always worth remembering in everyday

practice that inclusion means everyone.