Equalities

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

A commitment to valuing and respecting the diversity of individuals, families and communities must sit at the heart of early years practice. Inequalities persist in society, with far-reaching effects on children’s education, health and life chances. Early years settings have a vital role to play in explicitly addressing all forms of discrimination and prejudice. In doing so, we will meet the Equality Act 2010 requirement that no child or family is discriminated against in terms of the protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership.

Birth to 5 Matters, 2021

Equality Act 2010

Bristol Early Years are committed to addressing diversity and inclusion in a meaningful, constructive and holistic way. Children in their earliest years are learning about who they are and the world around them. Early years settings are well placed to promote feelings of belonging which are an important part of inclusive practice.

Bristol’s Equality and Inclusion Policy

Bristol City Council’s equality policy and strategy sets out our commitment to equality and diversity, and how we will:

• tackle equalities issues
• aim to eliminate discrimination
• create good relationships between communities in Bristol
• ensure those from different backgrounds have similar life opportunities

The following important guidance for all educational settings supports Bristol’s equality strategy:
Bristol Equality Charter
Bristol Relationships and Belonging approach (including educational setting attachment pledge)
Bristol Equality Charter Guidance and Toolkit
Bristol Children Charter

This part of our website aims to bring together useful resources, best practice reflections and research about how the early years sector can address inclusion and diversity.