From national to local government and from trainers to practitioners, there is a significant gap between policies and a recognition of how racism distorts the lives of many children and their families. Despite improvements in resources, training, individual practice and statutory requirements, racism still remains.
I know nearly everyone in the sector genuinely cares about children, but many institutional practices and procedures perpetuate racial barriers. In the absence of a strategy, addressing them remains ad hoc and depends on the commitment of individuals. I believe the main reason for these barriers is a lack of understanding.
This has led to a situation where important early years anti-racist practice is misunderstood by those responsible for implementing it. Without an understanding of racism, no one can put racial equality into practice. Without it, the very word often engenders apprehension, discomfort, guilt, fear of using the apparently "wrong" term or being called a racist.
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