The upsurge in support for the Black Lives Matter movement prompted Puddleduck Nursery manager Carol Bromley in Nunhead, London to take part in an online discussion about race, which reshaped her approach to children, staff and parents.
Delivered by freelance early years consultant Stella Louis for charity Early Education, ‘Let’s talk about race’ is a one-hour course held bi-termly that aims to help participants feel comfortable about discussing race and make practice more racially inclusive.
Ms Bromley had no specific problems with racism at her setting, but was aware she and staff could improve their awareness and confidence in dealing with day-to-day situations. She joined about 50 participants on the webinar in October 2020. Ms Louis asked the group challenging questions to get discussion flowing, such as, ‘How do you feel about anti-racism?’ ‘There were times when the call was very quiet – people were almost afraid to say things,’ says Ms Bromley.
The course encouraged practitioners to view each child as unique and remember that their learning and development is based in their own experiences. Ms Louis explained the issue of unconscious bias and emphasised the need for an open and non-judgemental approach to children and families. ‘We have had somebody say “I’m not playing with him because he’s black”,’ explains Ms Bromley. ‘You need to think – where’s that coming from in the child’s thinking? What are their experiences?’
Staff reviewed the setting’s books to ensure they represented its families. Ms Bromley also devised an activity about everyday jobs, which involved children looking at images of people from different cultures in different employment. The children spoke openly in response about their heritage.
‘The course gave me confidence,’ says Ms Bromley. ‘It’s about helping people express themselves within a welcoming community.’
