The Welsh Government has launched new guidance and advice to create an anti-racist culture in Welsh childcare settings.
The toolkit features guidance about:
- Governance and leadership
- Setting floor/environment
- Parents and carers
- Professional learning
- Early childhood play, learning and care; curriculum, pedagogy and practice
The guidance has been developed by a range of partners, including Cwlwm as well as the Diversity and Anti-Racist Professional Learning organisation (DARPL).
This is in addition to childcare and playwork settings, community figures, those with lived experience, and the Welsh Government itself.
Some of the guidance in the toolkit includes practical advice around the familiarisation of the Halo code for afro-textured hair, plus books reflecting the diversity of Wales.
Leaders hope the move can help staff in taking the appropriate measures to foster an environment that is anti-racist, as well as taking the steps to build relationships with local communities and parents to better understand the diversity of backgrounds.
It is ultimately a part of the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan, which aims to ensure everyone — regardless of background — has access to high-quality and culturally mindful childcare and education.
“We are striving to ensure that we work to make change across education and childcare,” said Jayne Bryant, Wales’ early years minister while speaking during a DARPL conference in Llandudno to launch the toolkit.
She added: “I’m really pleased to support DARPL and Cwlwm in the launch of the toolkit today, as it is a great addition to the work we are doing to progress our Anti-racist Wales Action Plan goals.
“Our work includes embedding anti-racist principles in our curriculum and provision, training educators and practitioners to recognise and challenge their own biases, and creating environments that celebrate diversity and promote inclusion.
“We are also working to ensure that our childcare, play and education settings reflect the diverse communities they serve. This includes developing resources that represent and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures within Wales.”
Image credit: iStock
