Chantelle
Having worked in spaces where there is no representation and places where it is in abundance, it is clear to see the difference it makes for children. I have seen examples of children who never speak or engage with the environment come alive because there are resources that are familiar to them in the room. I have seen misconceptions from White children be addressed through open conversations and resources in the room. I know I was always very aware that nothing looked like me and I think it is important that children do not feel like that as well.
I remember not having one single black teacher or teaching assistant and although at the time this didn't seem like an issue to me, there was always awe when somebody did have a black teacher and a slight pang of jealousy. In Y6, a black female teacher joined my school and taught Y5 and I remember thinking I would never get the chance to be taught by her. As said earlier, this did not appear to bother me at the time but evidently it did because these are feelings, I can now articulate at 28.
I recently had a conversation with my Practice Manager about how I think I would actively seek out a Black member of staff in a setting when I have my own children. When questioned about this, it was more of a 'feeling'. I just felt that they would get me, felt they would understand my needs, etc. and have seen this from the other side with parents seeking me out whilst at work.
There are so many bits to this but if representation were more present then every child would feel they have a space. I remember not knowing who to dress up as on World Book Day and being painstakingly aware that I would not 'look' like that character. In my current post there was a young girl who hardly ever spoke, hardly ever engaged and we were always really stuck on how to support her. Roll on Black History Month with its traditional materials and resources and she came alive - wrapped material around herself, fashioned a hijab, role play cooking in this kitchen that now looked and seemed like her own at home. This child had been in our room for a year at that point, basically silent but the way she came alive when she saw a part of herself in that role play will forever be a reason why representation is important.
