This guide will help you answer 3.2 Reflect on the impact of own attitudes, values and behaviour when supporting equality, diversity and inclusive practice.
Supporting equality, diversity, and inclusive practice is crucial in any early years setting. It ensures that all children, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to the same opportunities and feel valued. Reflecting on your own attitudes, values, and behaviours is essential in achieving this goal. Let’s unpack what this means and how you can apply it in your day-to-day work.
Understanding Attitudes, Values, and Behaviour
Attitudes are your feelings or ways of thinking that influence your choices and behaviour. They can be positive or negative and are often shaped by your experiences and upbringing.
Values are the principles or standards of behaviour that dictate what is important in your life. These guide your behaviour and decision-making process.
Behaviour is the way you act or conduct yourself, especially towards others. This can include your language, body language, actions, and responses to different situations.
In an early years setting, your attitudes, values, and behaviour play a significant role in shaping a child’s experience and development.
Reflecting on Personal Attitudes
Reflection involves thinking deeply about your reactions and interactions to understand their impact. Here are some points to consider:
- Self-awareness: Acknowledge your personal biases and prejudices. We all have them, and recognising them is the first step towards controlling their influence.
- Open-mindedness: Be willing to listen to and understand other perspectives. This involves being open to continual learning and change.
- Empathy: Try to understand and share the feelings of others. This helps in creating an empathetic and inclusive environment for children.
Reflecting on Your Values
Your values can significantly affect how you support equality, diversity, and inclusion. Reflect on aspects such as:
- Respect: Show regard for the feelings, wishes, and rights of others. This is pivotal in a diverse setting.
- Fairness: Ensure you treat all children equally, granting them the same opportunities regardless of their background.
- Commitment to Inclusion: Demonstrate a strong dedication to creating an environment where every child feels they belong and can thrive.
Reflecting on Your Behaviour
Your behaviour in the workplace can either support or hinder inclusive practice. Consider the following:
- Language Use: The words you choose can either include or alienate. Use inclusive language that acknowledges and respects diversity.
- Interaction with Children: Be mindful of how you engage with children from different backgrounds. Avoid favouritism or discrimination.
- Role Modelling: Children often emulate adult behaviour. Model inclusive and respectful behaviour in your interactions with all children and adults.
Practical Steps Towards Reflection
To reflect effectively, integrate the following strategies into your routine:
- Journaling: Keep a reflective journal where you note down situations that challenged your attitudes, values, or behaviour. Reflect on what happened, how you reacted, and what you could do differently next time.
- Feedback: Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors. They can provide insights into behaviours you may not be aware of.
- Training and Development: Participate in training on equality, diversity, and inclusion. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to reflect and improve.
- Peer Discussions: Engage with peers in discussions about equality and inclusion. Sharing experiences and strategies can provide new perspectives and ideas.
Deepening Your Reflection
Reflection isn’t just about identifying issues; it’s about understanding their root causes and finding ways to address them. Dig deeper by asking:
- Why do I feel this way? Understanding the origin of your attitudes can help you modify them.
- What impact is this having on the children? Reflecting on the consequences of your behaviour ensures that your actions benefit all children.
- What can I change? Consider practical steps you can take to align your attitudes, values, and behaviour with inclusive practice.
Real-Life Application
Consider a scenario where two children from different cultural backgrounds are having a disagreement. Reflect on how your attitudes and values influence your intervention. If you favour one child over the other, even unconsciously, it could reinforce a sense of inequality.
- Addressing Bias: Recognise any bias you might have towards one culture or another. Commit to treating both children fairly.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Use the opportunity to teach both children about cultural sensitivity and respecting differences.
- Inclusive Communication: Engage both children in a dialogue that respects their individual experiences. Use language that is inclusive and respectful of both cultures.
Developing a Reflective Practice
A reflective practice means continuously assessing and improving the way you support equality, diversity, and inclusion. Here are some benefits:
- Better Relationships: Reflecting on your behaviour helps build more respectful and trusting relationships with children.
- Enhanced Learning Environment: An inclusive practice creates a positive learning environment where all children feel valued.
- Professional Growth: Reflective practice contributes to your own professional development and effectiveness as an early years practitioner.
Conclusion
Reflecting on your attitudes, values, and behaviours is fundamental in supporting equality, diversity, and inclusive practice. By being self-aware, seeking continuous improvement, and applying reflective techniques, you contribute significantly to creating an inclusive environment. This benefits all children and enhances your professional competence. Remember, reflection is an ongoing process that requires commitment and willingness to learn and grow.
