ANTI-DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE

Anti-discrimination is the basic policy to tackle inequalities in school with regards to race, gender, sex, level of ability, social status etc. All schools are required to have an equal opportunities policy which states that all members of staff and children will be treated equally.This document is usually a part of the induction process of all staff members and should be available for reference at any point of time.Supporting all pupils in a safe anti-discriminatory setting provides for positive experiences. Mutual respect and clear codes of conduct are the basis of anti-discriminatory policy. The teaching assistant should know and follow the policy as laid down by the school, for effective outcome.

There are a number of ways to promote anti-discrimination.

•  Be a good role model – do not only pay lip service to anti-discriminatory practice, but demonstrate it in everything you do.
•  Appreciate and promote diversity and individuality of children and young people by acknowledging their positive attributes and abilities. 
•  Listen to and involve children and young people in the delivery of services, and respond to their concerns.
•  Recognise that the child or young person is at the centre of the learning by treating each one as an individual. 
•  Have realistic but the highest expectations of all children and young people. 
•  Support a positive ethos within the school. 
•  Give pupils the confidence and skills to challenge prejudice or racist behaviour of others. 
•  Recognise and question anti-discriminatory practice.