Cultural diversity
The EYFS emphasises the importance of cultural diversity in early years settings. It includes understanding differences in age, culture, family structures, disabilities, ethnicity, gender, religion and sexual orientation.
The Educational Programmes within the EYFS, highlight the need for practitioners to understand child development and develop a sense of the children's cultural identity, while introducing quality experiences of less familiar cultures.
Top tips for incorporating cultural diversity include:
- Reinforcing children's family life
- Celebrating cultural, religious and community events
- Planning small world and role play opportunities
- Inviting visitors from different religious and cultural communities
- Sharing high-quality books
- Providing materials reflecting a cultural spread
- Being aware of cultural differences in attitudes and expectations
- Explaining practice with parents / carers
- Discussing cultural needs and expectations for skin and hair care
- Drawing on a wide range of muscians and storytellers from diverse cultural backgrounds.