Opinion

Why we must incorporate diversity and inclusion in early years education

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Diversity has been at the heart of many conversations this year, and should be at the heart of early years education, says childminder and early years educator Alicia Wilkins
Alicia Wilkins: 'For those children who, for whatever reason, have internalised and branded their differences, we must create spaces in which those myths can be dispelled'
Alicia Wilkins: 'For those children who, for whatever reason, have internalised and branded their differences, we must create spaces in which those myths can be dispelled'

Our awareness of difference - whether it be race, gender, or identity - has been heightened and discussed like never before. From the boardroom to the classroom, it feels like we are finally starting to give diversity and inclusion the energy and airtime it deserves.

But when is the right time to start incorporating diversity into our lives? Having recently retrained as a professional childminder and early years educator, I feel passionately that we should be placing inclusivity at the heart of early years. 

During my childhood, I was lucky enough to have two loving and supportive parents who continually reinforced that I was good enough. I carried this through school and into adulthood, confident in my own abilities - propelled through life by the affirmations I received at home.

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