Quote:
Originally Posted by Kathie
Completely agree and i think that thats half the problem, people that said this dont work directly with the children but claim to know everything!!!!! Our children relish learning about others and the different places they live, just because there are no children in the setting from other cultures doesnt mean that they arent going to be aquainted with them any where else in their lives. We will carry on doing what is best for our children whether they advise or question it because after all isnt it what the children want to learn also.  |
You don't say who these people are? - whether they are parents, committee or someone else?
Whereabouts are they in the scheme of things to have any opinion/say over the curriculum you are following?
If they are parents you could highlight and laminate some of the learning areas (perhaps with pictures) and put these up on your notice board - hopefully showing them what children are getting out of attending an early years settings. There may well be still a parent or two hanging onto their parents or grandparents beliefs, and hopefully in your setting you will be showing the positivity of learning about and mixing with everyone, whoever they are.
How is your setting welcoming new families into the setting? - whoever does this needs to go through the settings policies and procedures and let them know you are an equal opportunity settings that celebrates diversity. Pointing this out to them right from the start (nicely) should let them know that you are following the EYFS (and all that goes with it) and is also a good opportunity to ask them of anything they would like clarifying and to share their own culture/beliefs etc which you explain you would like to share.
I have children/parents with different cultures/faiths that are more than happy for their children to join in with our Christian culture at Christmas, Easter, our snacks - although all settings (hopefully) eat lots of varied food from other countries and cultures, I expect the majority of our food is what 'our culture' is used to and likes and we should do likewise - whether we have or have not children from other culture/religions attending our settings.
If they really can't understand why children should learn early, point out that children learn their values, morals, principles early on in life - it's no good introducing brussel sprouts to a teenager if they've never tried them before.
If it's your committee ( and they feel they have some say in matters i.e. fundraising - so they don't want the money going towards any cultural/religious resources) have a word with your early years advisors, they may be able to help you or even attend a committee meeting.
Anyone outside the setting shouldn't be involved - but it sounds as if you are trying to do good work, with someone or others trying to unsettle your setting whilst following the EYFS.
If you can't sort it out at the setting's level - ask for help. You shouldn't have to struggle to carry on with doing your best, whilst having negativity surrounding any area of the EYFS.