Scotland has recently put the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child into domestic law. Guidance and inspection frameworks are increasingly focussed on how well settings are embedding children’s rights into their practices and processes. Also often in the news are equalities issues around race, gender, sexuality and religion. Sometimes people might feel children in ELC are just too young for these to matter to them, but they do – and certainly for their families.
One problem with children’s rights is that it is very easy to talk the talk, but not so easy to see how to put them into practice. What does consulting children mean when they are very young? How far should we take their views into account? Shouldn’t children also be learning about their responsibilities, to themselves, their peers and the environment? And what do rights and equalities have to do with playing about in puddles or listening to stories?
This training looks at rights and equalities from the ground up, how they are built into our practice whether we know it or not. It makes clear the choices we make as adults all the time without sometimes even noticing, and how we can reflect on those, evaluate the experiences, spaces and outcomes that we offer, so that everyone is included and their rights are respected.
The content will be at depth, but in plain language! It will be interactive and even a little playful. These are sometimes tricky issues, so there will be an emphasis on safety and positivity for attendees. They will go away with:
· A clear understanding of law and guidance on rights and equalities
· Practical ways to evaluate rights and equalities in their practice and environment
· Understanding how inclusive, rights-based practice means more effective learning and happier children and staff
· Confidence in communicating with children and families about rights and equalities