Evidence 10 Child Development

Unit 304 task 2 – promoting diversity, equality and inclusion in the early years sector

1.4 Explain the importance of applying equality, diversity and inclusion in relation
to:
• Planning activities
• Selecting resources
• Language used
• Cultural awareness

It is vital that practitioners apply and encourage equality , diversity and inclusion
in their settings daily. Children form opinions and attitudes at a very early age so it
is vital for them to be introduced to a range of cultures and traditions from
backgrounds other than their own . This will also decrease the likelihood of
discrimination occurring which could greatly effect a child’s self esteem and sense
of belonging in their settings. It is important to apply & consider equality diversity
and inclusion when planning activities because it will ensure that activities are
suitable and appropriate for all children regardless of any disabilities they may
have , whether English is their first language or their personal beliefs/religion etc .
For example if a setting sets out an activity in regards to language writing &
literacy but there are children that struggle with English because it’s not their first
language practitioners should ensure that these children are given extra support at
this activity so that they have the same opportunity as the other children to strive at
it and take part in the activity along with all the others . This is important because
it supports and ensures children
All children feel included no matter what differences they may have and they all
have the same opportunities and resources to grow .
It is also important to apply & consider equality diversity and inclusion when
selecting resources & the language used in the setting . When selecting resources it
is vital to ensure the resource are relevant/suitable and usable by all children in the
setting. For example say practitioners wanted to set up a sensory activity & wanted
to use weetabix for it but had a child who was allergic to wheat, practitioners
should take this into account and consider using an alternative which would mean
that one particular child wouldn’t be left out and could join in with the rest of their
friends. As well as letting them feel included it’s vital because leaving children out
even if it’s just one activity it can leave a child feeling confused , sad , left out or
different to their peers.
When using language it’s important to ensure the language is understood and it’s
also important to understand that some children may have different home
languages & it’s important that schools celebrate the bilingual skills of pupils.
Children who speak English as a second language may need extra support with this
and settings should have policies in place to support this .
It is also important to apply equality, diversity and inclusion in relation to cultural
awareness . In a setting children can come from a variety of different cultures
and backgrounds and it’s important for settings to celebrate this . By Recognising
and promoting the cultural diversity of individuals within a setting it can promote
the inclusion within the setting. Celebrating cultural differences not only makes the
children who come from different cultures feel welcome and empowered it also
gives others an opportunity to get involved and learn all about their friends cultures
.
This can be done through events like celebrating different cultural/religious
festivals in the setting eg Christmas & Diwali .
http://www.silkysteps.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21935 ( accessed Feb 2023)

Unit 306 planning and implementing activities

The importance of planning activities, play opportunities and

educational programmes to meet the age, stage, needs and abilities
and interests of children

It is vital to ensure activities & play opportunities meet the age , stage , needs ,
abilities & interests of children . Planning activities allows practitioners to link
activities to the curriculum & an area of development for the children to aid their
learning. This is important because it provides children with a fun and enjoyable
experience that also aids them with their personal development. Planning to meet
age , stage and needs is vital because it means If you don’t plan for these things
activities may end up being way too simple for the children and will not stimulate
their brain in any way or teach them anything new which in turn does not support
learning . On the other hand If an activity is set out but aimed at children at a
higher stage it will be too difficult for them & may discourage them from even
trying . It also will not support their learning in any way as it is not at the correct
stage that the child it at so they won’t understand the concept of the activity .
Similarly it is visual to ensure activities are based around children’s interests as if
an activity does not interest them in some way they will not want to partake.
Planning ahead ensures you can make an activity both fun and educational which
will interest children as well as stimulate and support their learning .
Plan and implement activities
The importance of involving the individual child in planning activities, play
opportunities and educational programmes to meet their needs and interests
It is vital as practitioners to ensure children are involved in planning activities and
play opportunities . This is important because children’s likes and interests should
be the main focus & priority as well as their learning when planning activities.
This also ensures children will be more intrigued and enjoy the activity as well as
learning and developing their skills and abilities. Children may also have ideas in
which they challenge themselves to stimulate their brains and meet their needs.
Another reason it is important to involve children is every child is different and
they all have their own interests and they types of things they enjoy playing with .
Some children are shy and quiet and may prefer activities with limited interactions
with other whereas some children are loud and confident and would thrive off
interaction from others like doing solo singing in front of a group . Having the
children involved in planning activities also ensures different children are
comfortable and are taking part in something that isn’t so far out their comfort zone
it makes them unhappy or not wanting to partake .

The importance of using both the indoor and outdoor environment

when planning activities, play opportunities and educational
programmes
Varied environment gives children the opportunity to explore a range of spaces and
helps giving them the confidence to explore a range of environments . An indoor
environment gives the children a safe space to explore a range is activities that can
help them with a range of life skills. Resources such as books , jigsaws and scissors
which are typically used indoors rather than outdoors all play a huge role in
children’s physical and creative development. Activities such as those play a huge
role in developing children’s fine motor skills and improving their confidence in
using their dominant hand and pens , pencils scissors etc. On the other hand
outdoor play is just as important . Being outdoors allows children the freedom to
move around however they would like . It gives them an opportunity to explore all
the free space and use their senses to explore the different smells sights and
everything they can hear whilst outdoors . Being outdoors allows children to work
on and develop their gross motor skills and imagination though the use of obstacle
courses , Bikes and cars slides etc. Such activities are vital as they help children
with their core stability , coordination, balance & spatial awareness .