Nursery World - Opportunities for all

Marcia Tatham outlines what the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, which became law at the end of May, means for early years professionals The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry highlighted the need for all bodies to address racial inequality. It was also the first to acknowledge the problem of institutionalised racism, which the 1999 Macpherson Report defined as, 'the collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their culture, colour or ethnic origin. It can be seen or detected in processes, attitudes and behaviour which amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtless and racist stereotype which disadvantage minority ethnic people'.

The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry highlighted the need for all bodies to address racial inequality. It was also the first to acknowledge the problem of institutionalised racism, which the 1999 Macpherson Report defined as, 'the collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their culture, colour or ethnic origin. It can be seen or detected in processes, attitudes and behaviour which amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtless and racist stereotype which disadvantage minority ethnic people'.

The Government's acceptance of the report's recommendations into the death of Stephen Lawrence and the implications for all public services, including education, has reinforced the responsibilities of all schools to eradicate racism and to value diversity. The report's impact on the Stephen Lawrence inquiry has greatly impact on the Race Relations Act 1976.

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