Resources: New anti-racism guide for early years

The free Tiney Inclusive Education Guide is co-authored by early years expert Laua Henry-Allain and tiney’s head of education Matt Lloyd-Rose. It has already been downloaded more than 3,000 times.

The guide aims to be a reflective tool with topics covered including how to examine your own anti-racist behaviours, how to create an inclusive early learning environment and how to talk to under-fives about diversity.

It also outlines how early years professionals can get to know the communities they are operating in, work with families to celebrate differences and broach difficult conversations if they occur.

Ms Henry-Allain believes that encouraging children to develop ‘inclusive, open and empathetic attitudes towards themselves and others’ is vital.

‘Unfortunately we do not live in an equal society,’ she said. ‘Many people face prejudice and discrimination every day. But it is my belief that education is the best way to drive enduring change.

‘Tiney’s Inclusive Education Guide provides a framework for those looking to join us on this journey towards a more inclusive future. The overwhelming support we’ve received so far shows just how many people are ready and willing to enact change.’

Mr Lloyd-Rose added, ‘From childminders who want to diversify their curriculum, to parents who’ve encountered racial bias and “colourblind” attitudes at their child’s nursery, the response to our project has highlighted a profound desire for effective guidance to support early years professionals in their anti-racist work.

‘We hope this guide provides something for the sector to use and rally around when it comes to promoting inclusion in every aspect of early years education in the UK. Not only will this result in better support for our under-fives, but it will also help to build stronger relationships between early years professionals and the families and communities they work with.’

• Download the guide here  

New website

Separately, a list of early years experts with black African and/or Caribbean heritage has been created to ensure their voices are heard.

Behind the Early Years Black List website is early years consultant and author Laura Henry-Allain, early years educators Jamel Carly-Campbell and Joss Cambridge-Simmons, and Liz Pemberton, director of training company The Black Nursery Manager.

It was launched following concerns that black voices within the early years sector are not being equally represented at events including roundtable discussions and conferences, and within the media, for example contributing to research and providing expert comment.

The Early Years Black List website also features a resource centre which references fictional and academic books on cultural diversity and inclusion.

Individuals and organisations can also sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter and follow the Early Years Black List on Twitter and Instagram - @Eyblacklist.