A 'peace' of the jigsaw: the perspectives of early years professionals on inclusion and diversity within the context of Northern Ireland. Issue 4 (18th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Magennis, Jill; Richardson, Norman
• Is Part Of: Education 3-13. Volume 48:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 365
• Page End: 378
• Publication Date: 2020-05-18
• Subjects: Early years professionals -- children -- diversity -- inclusion -- respect -- cultural awareness; Education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Education, Primary -- Periodicals; Education, Elementary -- Periodicals; 372.942
• DOI: 10.1080/03004279.2019.1610023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-4279

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Early years professionals have a responsibility to foster positive attitudes in children and counter negative messages children may have received in relation to those who are different in terms of religion, race or ethnicity. This study explored the attitudes of early years professionals in issues surrounding inclusion and diversity to gain a deeper appreciation of the behaviours and values held. Methods employed included questionnaires ( n = 72) with early years practitioners and semi-structured interviews ( n = 14) with leaders in a range of early years settings in Northern Ireland. Key findings included how inclusion and diversity are promoted in practice through staff as positive role models, use of multicultural resources and the significance of training. The importance of addressing issues of diversity and inclusion at a young age and how cultural awareness helps children to experience and understand where they belong have been key findings of this study.