Statement of intent

Inclusion and Equality

At Nature Base, we take great care to treat each individual as a person in their own right, with equal rights and responsibilities to any other individual, whether they are an adult or a child. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children and families according to their individual needs. We welcome all families to be involved in our sessions, whatever their family make up; we do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, age, race, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, or maternity, ethnic or national origin, or political belief.

We have a commitment to implementing our Inclusion and equality policy by providing this to all of our volunteers and any staff as part of their ‘Induction’ process. Should anyone believe that this policy is not being upheld, it is their duty to report the matter to the attention of the Lead Outdoor Practitioner. Appropriate steps will then be taken to investigate the matter and if such concerns are well-founded, disciplinary action will be taken.

The framework for this policy is based on:

·      Discrimination (Jersey) Law 2013

·      Children and Young People (Jersey) Law 2002

·      Government of Jersey Equality & Diversity (2019)

·      Jersey Child First

·      The United Nations Convention Rights of a Child

·      Special Education Needs and Disabilities Code of Practice 2015 (UK)

·      Equality Act 2010 (UK)

·      Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 (UK)

Nature Base are committed to:

·      Recruiting, selecting, training and promoting individuals on the basis of occupational skills requirements. In this respect, Nature Base will ensure that no job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, sex, gender reassignment, disability, marriage or civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity/paternity which cannot be justified as being necessary for the safe and effective performance of their work or training. Please also see under ‘policies’ www.naturebase.je our ‘Recruitment of Ex-offenders’ policy document

·      Providing a ‘session place’ wherever possible; for children who may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities or are deemed disadvantaged according to their individual circumstances

·      Make reasonable adjustments for children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities

·      Strive to promote equal access to our services and projects by taking practical steps (wherever possible and reasonable), for example; by ensuring access to people with additional needs and providing materials to support children and their families

·      Striving to provide a secure environment in which all our children can flourish, and all their contributions are valued

·      Including and valuing the contribution of all families to our understanding of equality, inclusion, and diversity

·      Continually improving our knowledge and understanding of issues of equality, Inclusion and diversity through CPD and Multi-agency partnerships

·      Regularly reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating the effectiveness of Inclusive practices; to ensure they promote and value diversity and difference and that this policy is effective, and practices are non-discriminatory.

·      Making inclusion a thread which runs through the entirety of Nature Base for example; by encouraging positive role models and/or through the use of toys, persona dolls, imaginary play, stories and activities, promoting non-stereotypical images and language, whilst challenging discriminatory behaviour

Volunteers/Staff

It is the policy of Nature Base not to discriminate in the treatment of individuals. All Volunteers/Staff are expected to co-operate with the implementation, monitoring and improvement of this and other policies. All staff are expected to challenge language, actions, behaviours, and attitudes which are oppressive or discriminatory on the grounds specified in this policy and recognise and celebrate other cultures and traditions. Volunteers and Staff are expected to know and understand this policy in regards to equality and inclusion. Nature Base aim to provide a ‘Feedback’ centred culture; where Volunteers and Staff regularly partake in giving and receiving ‘Feedback’ and ‘Reflection’ on sessions and working practices. This culture aims to promote a ‘Safe space’ to openly share concerns and suggest improvements/change.

Training

Nature Base recognises the importance of training as a key factor in the implementation of an effective Inclusion and Equality policy. All new staff receive induction training including specific reference to the Inclusion and Equality policy.

Children and Young People

 We aim to encourage children to develop positive attitudes to people who are different from them. We actively encourage children to empathise; with ‘others’ (people, children, animals, and nature)

We do this by:

·      Making children feel valued.

·      Ensuring that all children have equal access to our play opportunities; making adaptions where possible.

·      Reflecting the widest possible range of communities in the choice of resources

·      Aiming to avoid stereotypical or derogatory images in the selection of materials.

·      Acknowledging, celebrating and helping children and families to learn about a range of cultural approaches including beliefs and festivals.

·      Creating an environment of mutual respect and empathy between adults.

·      Helping children to understand the consequences of discriminatory behaviour and remarks

·      Ensuring that our sessions are inclusive of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children from disadvantaged backgrounds (we do this in providing grant funded sessions as well as paid)

·      Ensuring that children whose first language is not English have access to our play opportunities and are supported in our sessions where reasonably possible.

·      Working in partnership with families to ensure they understand the culture of Nature Base through this policy and challenge any discriminatory comments.

·      Ensuring the medical, cultural, and dietary needs of children are considered and reasonable efforts are made to meet these needs when applicable.