Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

What is Diversity?

Diversity is about recognising and valuing differences, including (but not limited to) race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion or neurotype.

“When diversity is lacking in the curriculum, perspectives are missing and learners might prefer to mask their diversity to “fit” in, internalising stereotypes about themselves that limit their potential and absorbing biases and prejudiced ideas about others. This can contribute to bullying behaviour and discrimination.” Education Scotland

Key Messages:

We welcome, value, understand and celebrate individual and group differences as part of life
The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society, including schools.
UNCRC: Article 2 protects all children from discrimination, whoever they are, no child should be treated unfairly for any reason
Valuing diversity should be embedded in our settings as part of our every day practice, not just done as token ‘events’ or celebrations
All of our children should have the opportunity to see their own identities, backgrounds and cultures reflected within their learning pathways (mirrors), while also being able to learn about the experiences of others and the society they live in (windows).

What is Equity?

“Equity is a policy concept and approach that aims to focus on treating people fairly and providing additional or different support where required. Equity in education means that personal or social circumstances are not obstacles to achievement and that all children and young people are well supported and have the same opportunities to succeed.”

(Education Scotland: Equality and Equity Toolkit)

Key Messages:

All practitioners have an understanding of ‘Getting It Right For Every Child’ Core Components, Values, Principles and the National Practice Model.
Equality means each child is given the same resources and opportunities. Equity recognises that every child has different circumstances, abilities and needs and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to support every child to reach an equal outcome.
Within the context of the Scottish Attainment Challenge this relates to disadvantage arising from poverty

What is Inclusion?

Inclusion means creating learning environments that value diversity and meet the diverse needs and preferences of all learners. It’s about ensuring all children and young people are present, participate actively in all aspects of their education, and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. This involves providing appropriate support, respecting individual differences, and promoting a culture of equality and fairness in schools.

Scottish Government policy and guidance promote education in a mainstream setting and the development of inclusive learning approaches.

Key Messages:

Mirrors and Windows

“Mirrors and Windows” describes the importance of children seeing themselves reflected in the curriculum. “Mirrors” ensure that children can see themselves reflected in their learning, for example in posters, books, stories, toys, media, role models, historical figures and the diversity of staff in the setting. “Windows” to give children a glimpse into the lives and experiences of others, to build empathy and understanding.

Be aware that some Mirrors and Windows in the curriculum can contain outdated representations and negative stereotypes. This could have a negative impact on learners’ perceptions of themselves or others, these can be described as ‘distorted Mirrors and Windows.’ To avoid this, it is best to include more, and a wider variety of, mirrors and windows. This can reduce the risk of tokenism, othering and stereotyping.

Quality Improvement Framework

Wellbeing, inclusion and equality is an Education Scotland quality indicator (QI) for ‘supporting children to achieve’.

‘Very good’ inclusion and equality

“Our children and families are valued and treated with kindness, respect and fairness. We actively promote and support inclusion and children’s rights and encourage all children to be fully involved in the life of the setting. Our staff make highly effective use of technology to support involvement and engagement of children and families.

We value diversity and challenge discrimination. Our staff work in partnership with parents and partners to promote and support diversity and enrich children’s experiences.

Staff know all children and families very well. They understand the socio-economic, cultural and linguistic context in which they live. Staff use this information effectively to respond sensitively with well-timed supports. These take account of the protected characteristics of all children and families. Highly effective strategies are in place to improve progress for all children.”