EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Equal opportunities in relation to early years practice

Equal opportunities in relation to early years practice

This paper will attempt to present an in depth discussion on the presence and provision of equal opportunities in the UK. The discussion will cover a variety of topics with reference to the provision of equal opportunities in the UK. In order to develop a clear context for the discussion, the paper will begin by shedding light on the presence and perception of equal opportunities in early year's practices; followed by an elaboration of the degree to which the UK is committed to the provision of equal opportunities. Special attention will be given to the UN convention on children's rights in this regard. The discussion will also recommend measures directed towards the assurance of equal opportunities to children and staff (MacLeod-Brudenell 2004, 329). UK's best practices and attitudes will also be regarded as critical points of discussion during the course of the elaboration. By doing so, the paper will highlight the relevance of equal opportunities in relation to early years practices; particularly with regard to the scenario that prevails in the UK in this regard.

The provision of equal opportunities in early years practice has a significant influence on the manner in which a society develops its perception of equal opportunities over time. This is because of the fact that if equal opportunities are denied in early years, society tends to enter a downward spiral in which each coming generation gives diminishing respect and relevance to the provision of equal opportunities.

The UK Government agreed to make all laws, policy and practice compatible with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when it ratified it on 16 December 1991 (though it registered some reservations). As international law, the Convention is meant to be followed and should be referred to by courts, tribunals and other administrative processes when making decisions that affect children. All children and young people up to the age of 18 years have all the rights in the Convention. Some groups of children and young people (Frazier 2000, 23). For example those living away from home and young disabled people have additional rights. Unfortunately, the Convention on the Rights of the Child as a whole is not currently part of UK law (Bennett-Alexander & Hartman 2007, 30). Notably, the CRAE is pushing for the full incorporation of the Convention into domestic law. This means a child or young person cannot bring a case to court if they believe their rights in the Convention have been breached. However, the Convention should be referred to in court and all other proceedings affecting children (Burgdorf 1991, 413). It should always inform interpretations and judgments in Human Rights Act cases brought by children.

The influence of the convention on the UK's legislation cannot be denied. In fact, it would not be unfair to state that this influence is a reflection of the UK's overall dedication to the provision and assurance of equal opportunities (MacLeod-Brudenell 2004, ...