Equalities Policy

1. AIM OF THIS POLICY

At Clubland we will take all reasonable measures to ensure that we provide a safe and caring environment, free from discrimination, for everyone in our community including children with additional needs.

To achieve our objective of creating an environment free from discrimination and welcoming to all, the setting will:

• Respect the different racial origins, religions, cultures and languages in a multi-ethnic society so that each child is valued as an individual without racial or gender stereotyping.
• Not discriminate against children on the grounds of disability, sexual orientation, class, family status, HIV/Aids status or other protected characteristic.
• Help all children to celebrate and express their cultural and religious identity by providing a wide range of appropriate resources and activities.
• Strive to ensure that children feel good about themselves and others, by celebrating the differences which make us all unique individuals.
• Ensure that its services are available to all parents/carers and children in the local community.
• Ensure that the Club’s recruitment policies and procedures are open, fair and non-discriminatory.
• Work to fulfil all the legal requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

2. CHALLENGING INAPPROPRIATE ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES

We will challenge inappropriate attitudes and practices by engaging children and adults in discussion, by displaying positive images of race and disability, and through our staff modelling anti-discriminatory behaviour at all times.

3. HARASSMENT

The Club will not tolerate any form of racial or discriminatory harassment on any basis. The Club will challenge racist and discriminatory remarks, attitudes and behaviour from the children at the Club, from staff and from any other adults on Club premises (eg parents/carers collecting children).

4. PROMOTING EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Deputy Director is responsible for ensuring that:

• Staff receive relevant and appropriate training
• The Equalities policy is consistent with current legislation and guidance
• Appropriate action is taken wherever discriminatory behaviour, language or attitudes occur.

5. CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS

Our club recognises that some children have additional needs or disabilities that require particular support and assistance. We will assess the individual needs of each child in consultation with their parents prior to their attending the setting, and will make reasonable adjustments including additional adult support where possible and reasonable, to ensure that children can access our services and are made to feel welcome.

6. SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS CO-ORDINATOR

The Club’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) is Carrie Nixon. The SENCO will:

• Manage the provision for children with additional needs or disabilities.
• Access and disseminate training in the care and support for those children who need it.

All members of staff will assist the SENCO in supporting for children with additional needs or disabilities in line with their support plan.

Last reviewed: June 2024

Next review date: June 2025