About STAR

"Promoting diversity, inclusion and equality for all children"

Registered Charity No. 1023528

About STAR: Overview

STAR is a charity specialising in working with professionals and parents concerned with creating a positive environment for all children under 8 at home and at school.

STAR's overall objective is to work towards the elimination of discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups by offering support and training to teachers, under 8's workers, parents and carers.

What does an anti-racist approach mean in practice?

Awareness and sensitivity to the background of every child
Using resources that reflect cultural diversity
Creating an atmosphere in which each child feels secure and valued and able to enjoy and welcome difference
Encouraging co-operation and opening up a dialogue to help express feelings

Why is anti-racism important for the under 8's, surely they are too young?

Research shows that by the age of two children notice different skin colour. They soon pick up messages — from the media, toys, books and adults around them — about how these differences are valued. Any difference can be a source of discomfort for a small child.

"Studies like that of David Milner (1983) confirm that between three and five years old, British children learn to attach value to skin colour…"
Babette Brown: “Unlearning Discrimination in the Early Years"

Is it necessary if the children we work with are mostly white?

We believe racism damages all children. The anti-racist approach is about valuing each other — it is far more than a black/white issue.

"Learning to respect the opinions, differences and needs of others is an important aspect of children's overall social development, and valuing racial differences is just one aspect of this."
Jane Lane: "Action for Racial Equality in the Early Years"

Positive Image Resources:

"All children need to see themselves reflected positively in the play and learning materials they use. This tells them that they are an integral part of the society they are growing up in and important participants in the educational process and system."
Nandini Mane - Working Group Against Racism in Children's Resources.