The Equality Act (2010) replaced the Disability Discrimination Act (1995). The Equality Act brings together, strengthens and streamlines 40 years of separate equalities legislation. There are nine protected characteristics (disability being one of them) that are governed by the general duty (April 2011).
Compliance with the general equality duty is a legal obligation, but it also makes good business sense. An organisation that is able to provide services to meet the diverse needs of its users should find that it carries out its core business more efficiently
The general equality duty therefore requires organisations to consider how they could positively contribute to the advancement of equality and good relations. It requires equality considerations to be reflected into the design of policies and the delivery of services, including internal policies, and for these issues to be kept under review.
This applies to all services open to children and young people: childminders, leisure services, private/voluntary and independent childcare settings, education and social care, whether or not they are in receipt of government funding.
Warrington Borough Council work with children, parents, childcare /and leisure activities providers to identify, assess and respond to children’s additional needs, ensuring appropriate inclusion within childcare and leisure activity provisions.
Warrington Families Information Service (FIS) will always try to find childcare that meets parental requests as closely as possible. A family advisor (brokerage worker) will be available via the FIS to work with families who have specific requirements enabling them to identify a provision of their choice.
For parents
The Inclusion Matters checklist which will help you to identify key strengths of the leisure and childcare settings you visit (Contact the FIS for a copy).
Support and advice for childcare providers
Childcare providers can access advice and support from the Information and Childcare Team Early Years Foundation Stage Consultants, the Childcare Inclusion Officer or The Early Years SEN Consultant who can all be contacted via the FIS on 01925 443131.
Support will vary according to the child’s needs and may involve input from more than one agency.
The Dignity of Risk – a practical handbook for professional working with disabled children and their families (Available from the National Childbirth Trust, call: 020 7843 6000)
Contact us:
Families Information Service
Tel: 01925 443131
Email: fis@warrington.gov.uk