Nursery World - Fit for all

Young children can learn to show tolerance and embrace differences when early years settings have carefully examined their own attitudes and practices, says Lynne Harvey We are reminded early in Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage that 'Practitioners should plan to meet the needs of both boys and girls, children with special needs, children who are more able, children with disabilities, children from all cultural and religious backgrounds, children of different ethnic groups including travellers, refugees and asylum seekers, and children from diverse linguistic backgrounds' (page 17).

We are reminded early in Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage that 'Practitioners should plan to meet the needs of both boys and girls, children with special needs, children who are more able, children with disabilities, children from all cultural and religious backgrounds, children of different ethnic groups including travellers, refugees and asylum seekers, and children from diverse linguistic backgrounds' (page 17).

For all children to make progress, the learning environment must be a place where each feels valued, welcomed and secure. The phrase 'one size does not fit all' comes to mind, but our settings do need to be fit for all. As practitioners, we need to acknowledge and embrace the notion of diversity before we can honestly endeavour to meet all children's learning and developmental needs and support their families.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included