According to the Cambridge Dictionary, an individual employing an anti-racist practice is "opposing and making efforts to end policies, rules, behaviours, beliefs, etc. that result in a continued unfair advantage to some people and unfair or harmful treatment of others, based on race". In the context of early years practice, this can mean undergoing a period of staff reflection to challenge existing internal beliefs, as well as a review of practice to ensure that the needs of every individual child in the setting is cared for.
This is an incredibly important process to undertake, as it teaches us about the challenges faced by individuals from global majority backgrounds in society, and how, in our daily lives, we can alter our own actions to ensure that such challenges can begin to ease. Anti-racist practice is about sharing the importance of inclusion, diversity, and tolerance in our communities, eroding existing stereotypes and building a brighter future for all individuals who call our communities home, regardless of their background.
The early years is a crucial part of all of our lives, where our minds and bodies undergo significant developmental changes. We know too that in this period, children start to recognise differences, meaning it is important this consciousness is nurtured to provide children with a sense of belonging, opening up a nurturing space which allows them to flourish. The role of early years settings is therefore crucial in this process, building an inclusive and equitable society for all Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people and communities in Wales.
Julie Powell, Head of Training, Learning and Development at Early Years Wales, said:
"The Welsh Government's anti-racist action plan sets the target for Wales becoming an anti-racist nation by 2030. Early years settings play a vital role in achieving this aim, supporting our next generation. Employing an anti-racist practice in the early years will help us reach these equality goals, helping build a future which is grounded in values of inclusivity and embracing diversity"
Taking our time to talk to the early years sector about their needs, we have developed two training modules and eight sets of resources. These will support managers and leaders in the 0–4 space to look at this journey through the eyes of a child. The resources have been developed to promote reflective practice and support all staff on their anti-racist journey.
This course is delivered as two, 90-minute online sessions. Practitioners will be provided with a digital reflective journal and an expectation to complete this as part of the course. There will also be some research prior to the course and a gap task between week 1 & 2.
For more information and to book your place, visit our training page.
If you have already completed the training and would like a copy of the new policy please email [email protected]
Cambridge Dictionary