Nursery World - How do I tackle racism?

'I overheard a child in nursery making racist comments to another boy. I mentioned this to his grandmother when she collected him but she did not seem to consider it a serious issue. What should I do if this behaviour continues? ' Dr Richard Woolfson replies: Racism of any sort is simply not acceptable and should be dealt with seriously and firmly at the time. The fact that the child's grandmother made light of racism does not reduce your responsibility as an early years professional to discourage bigotry and prejudice whenever it arises.

' Dr Richard Woolfson replies:

Racism of any sort is simply not acceptable and should be dealt with seriously and firmly at the time. The fact that the child's grandmother made light of racism does not reduce your responsibility as an early years professional to discourage bigotry and prejudice whenever it arises.

If his racist behaviour continues - and the chances are there will be further occurrences because it seems to be accepted at home - then invite the child's parents to the nursery for a discussion. At that meeting, calmly describe the child's action and explain the nursery's policy on tackling racist incidents. Don't fall for their possible argument that 'he's only young' and that 'you are making a fuss about nothing.' On the contrary, it's precisely because the child is young that you can have a positive impact on his attitudes towards diversity. Let the parents see that racism, like any form of bullying and social exclusion, does not fit in with the nursery ethos. Hopefully they will agree with you and then work in partnership with you in order to discourage this aspect of their child's behaviour.

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