By Jennie Lindon
(Hodder, 18.99, ISBN 9780340913475, 020 7873 6000)
Reviewed by Gina Houston, vice-chair, Early Years Equality
Jennie Lindon is not afraid of tackling difficult issues in this book and Part One clearly states the necessity for practitioners to challenge their own attitudes and examine common racist statements made during everyday interactions.
She emphasises that we all have prejudices learnt through our own cultural practices, but puts this in a 'no blame' perspective and gives practical suggestions for change. The book also details the legal responsibilities of settings regarding equality practice and gives some useful definitions of common terms.
Different areas of inequality are detailed and there are some useful exercises for practitioners to examine their own attitudes and to deal with situations that may arise in settings.
The chapter on anti-discriminatory practice in relation to children with special needs unpicks myths around children with disabilities and suggests ways for practitioners to examine their own attitudes and to deal with prejudice from others.
This book is a useful resource for raising discussion about areas of inequality and a good starting point for developing effective equality policy and practice in the early years setting.
