That includes making three- to five-year-olds aware of same-sexrelationships and clamping down on homophobic language, says theNational Union of Teachers.
The comments were made in the union's response to proposals for theEarly Years Foundation Stage, a new framework for early learning andcare.
"Many early years teachers are under the impression they are 'opening acan of worms' if they challenge sexist language or behaviour or negativelanguage about same-sex relationships," said the union. But it addedthat it was too late to wait until primary school to tackle suchissues.
The foundation stage consultation document says practitioners "mustpromote positive attitudes to diversity" and challenge discriminationand prejudice.
But the union wants more detailed guidelines. It also said it was"extremely disappointing" that providers would not be required to givechildren access to outdoor play.
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