Nursery World - Eradicating racism in the early years sector

Dr Sharon Curtis and Jane Lane, on behalf of a group of early years participants, say that there is still much to be done to tackle racism in the early years sector and call on everyone involved to take action now

Ellesmere Children's Centre staff (Dr Sharon Curtis second from left)

We are a dedicated group of educational practitioners, consultants, community activists and researchers committed to the early years sector and the lives of young children and their families. We have come together now to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of the Black Voices Network which, although disbanded a few years ago, strongly retains its members' interests and commitment to race awareness and support to challenge inequalities, particularly at this time.

The Black Voices Network was a group of people, mostly involved in the early years of children's lives, who were committed to listening to the voices of black people and their experiences in education by presenting a welcoming safe place for discussion. We have spent many decades trying to get the damaging effects of the reality of racism recognised and removed from every aspect of early years practices, procedures, policies, organisation, support groups, inspection and training.

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