Case study

In a recent team meeting it was announced that your setting had been asked to work with the local travelling community. You realise from some of the comments made by your colleagues after the meeting that several of them have some fixed opinions on Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers.

• How do you think these opinions might impact on their working practices?
• Reflect on your own values, beliefs and experiences with this ethnic group and how they might have impacted your own working practice?
• As treating someone differently because of their colour, nationality, ethic origin, or national origin is race discrimination, reflect on your experiences in dealing with different individuals.

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.