Participating in the DARPL Enhanced Leadership Series (ELS) has been a valuable and thought-provoking journey, strengthening my existing practice while also encouraging me to reflect more deeply on anti-racism within my role as a nursery owner and manager. This reflection outlines how my knowledge, awareness, and confidence have developed throughout the programme, and how I intend to apply this learning moving forward.
Prior to engaging with the ELS, I already considered myself to be inclusive in my practice. Within the nursery environment, I have always been mindful of individuals’ spoken languages, cultural backgrounds, and family traditions, including religious celebrations and dietary requirements. I have actively worked to create an environment where all individuals and their families feel respected, valued, and supported. However, through the ELS, I have come to understand that while these approaches are important, anti-racism goes way beyond inclusion alone. It requires holding central a more proactive, reflective and critical enquiry approach to recognising and addressing systemic inequalities and potential barriers that may affect individuals and their families, our community and wider society.
Throughout the DARPL ELS sessions, my awareness has developed further. I have gained a deeper understanding of how unconscious and affinity bias, language, and everyday practices can impact individuals from different backgrounds. The sessions encouraged me to reflect not only on the nursery environment but also on my own leadership role and the influence I have on staff practice and professional learning. This has increased my confidence in addressing sensitive topics and supporting my team in developing their own awareness and understanding of anti-racism and leading learning as a continuum through DARPL.
One of the most impactful elements of the DARPL ELS programme was the session focused on Culture, Curriculum, and Community. This session reinforced and built upon practices I was already implementing within the nursery. I have always been mindful of representation and aimed to ensure that activities, resources, and experiences reflect the diverse backgrounds of the individuals in my care. However, the session deepened my understanding of why this is so important and encouraged me to be more intentional and reflective in my approach. It highlighted that what we provide is not neutral and can influence how individuals and families see themselves and others. It also strengthened my awareness of the importance of engaging with the wider community and developing a deeper understanding of family backgrounds to support individuals more effectively.
The DARPL ELS has influenced my professional approach by encouraging me to move from being inclusive to being actively anti-racist in my leadership. I now feel more confident in reviewing existing practices, challenging assumptions, and ensuring that equality is embedded across all aspects of the nursery. This includes supporting staff to reflect on their own practice, promoting open discussions, reviewing our policies, and creating an environment and shared culture where everyone feels safe, respected, valued and inspired.
Moving forward, I intend to implement my ‘DARPLing’ / learning in several ways. I will continue to review and adapt the nursery environment, resources, and policies to ensure they are inclusive and representative. I will also support my team through ongoing professional development, encouraging reflection and open dialogue around anti-racism drawining on the DARPL CoP and resources. In addition, I will continue to build strong relationships with families and the wider community to ensure that we are knowing and meeting the needs of all individuals. Finally, I aim to create opportunities within the nursery for individuals to develop awareness, respect, and understanding of diversity from an early age.
In conclusion, the DARPL Enhanced Leadership Series has built upon my existing inclusive practice and helped me develop a deeper and more informed understanding of anti-racism. It has enhanced my awareness, strengthened my confidence as a leader, and provided me with practical ways to further develop my setting. This experience has reinforced the importance of ongoing reflection and commitment to creating an inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment for all individuals and their families.
How will you take your next steps in DARPL?
To find out more about joining DAN (follow this link): Advocacy Network – DARPL
To find out more about attending ELS (follow this link): Enhanced Leadership Series – DARPL
