Equality & Diversity

"The challenge for us all is our ability to contribute to the delivery - in real and measurable terms - to both economic prosperity and building a fair and inclusive society." - Charles Clarke (DfES Strategy to 2006)

Accessible and affordable childcare and early years services are vital for all children and families, and key to developing an equitable society. The Sure Start, Extended Schools and Childcare Group values diversity and is determined to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. It recognises the importance of preparing all our children to live in a diverse, multiethnic society. It is committed to helping ensure that all Sure Start early years and childcare services:

are open to all
adhere to and implement equality and inclusion policies, procedures and practices
provide appropriate, relevant and accessible activities
provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.

The Sure Start, Extended Schools and Childcare Group also recognises the need to support practitioners in developing inclusive services.

Information

The Sure Start, Extended Schools and Childcare Group has commissioned the production of a paper, Promoting race equality in early years , which clarifies the responsibilities of early years settings and local authorities.

Workforce

The Sure Start, Extended Schools and Childcare Group encourages and supports Local Authorities, Primary Care Trusts, Jobcentre Plus, local communities and voluntary and private sector organisations to develop a strong and culturally diverse work force equipped to meet the universal and specific needs of parents and children within early years settings and communities. There is also a specific focus within the SSU activity on recruitment of childcare workers on recruiting staff from black and minority ethnic communities.

Take up of Education and Childcare

Recent research has suggested that some black and minority ethnic families are using nursery education and childcare services significantly less than the national average.

Publication

Use of childcare among families from minority ethnic backgrounds: (SSU/2005/SF/011) March 2005
This reports aims to explore the ways in which experiences of and views about childcare differ between families of different ethnic origin in England

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