Book Review

Young Children and Racial Justice
Jane Lane

The book is written for those who train, advise and support those working with children and families. It begins with a powerful poem by Benjamin Zephaniah which gives a recipe for 'The British'. This sets the scene with a positive message. The whole book has a 'can do' feeling threading through.

The first chapter examines what we mean by words such as prejudice and discrimination. The next looks in detail at racism. This is followed by a look at how children may learn racial prejudices and the wider aspects of racism. The case studies are helpful. For example, one explores how we can prepare ourselves so that we avoid making negative assumptions. Another shows how staff can encourage budding friendships between parents with different backgrounds.

There is a section which demonstrates how racism also damages white children in a number of ways, including compromising 'the possibility of their making a full contribution to society in the future.

The book shows the lessons we can learn from the past. Although there is much to do, it shows the progress made which is helpful and positive. It helps the reader to think about racial equality, and how to develop race equality schemes and policies. There is practical advice about how to counter racism and how to deal with racist incidents. This chapter is invaluable.

The last two chapters give information on legislation for racial equality and set out the Government requirements and policies for racial equality. They are essential resource and reference materials.

Every trainer, tutor and adviser, or leader of any team in the early years should have and read and act on this book. It speaks to the heart, and it helps you to think and do.
Professor Tina Bruce, CBE

This new edition of Jane Lane's classic text provides a comprehensive examination of the issues relating to race and equality in the early years. It is a balanced and thorough text, with a clear and unequivocal voice. The book is well structured, clearly presented and accessible, and draws upon a wide range of relevant research and literature. Practical tasks and examples engage the reader effectively, challenging the reader to review their ideas and reconceptualise them in the light of current literature, legislation, and practice. This text will be invaluable for students on Early Childhood Studies course, and for those on Early Years Foundation Degrees and Early years initial teacher education, but it will also be relevant for practitioners and those leading on staff development in settings, and delivering on the multi-professional agenda.
Helena Mitchell
Academic Group Head: Childhood, Community and Education, Oxford Brookes University

Racism remains a very serious problem within the UK, affecting the shape and delivery of services in every area of welfare and blighting the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Racism is a learnt response, albeit encouraged by political and media distortions. Where better then, to start the process of challenging racism than in a child's early years? Jane Lane's book is indeed challenging, challenging each of us to rethink the way we talk about, think of and act towards minorities and how we inadvertently or not, communicate racist attitudes to young children. This is a highly significant book for all those working with early years - parents, professionals, managers, relatives neighbours and friends. But whilst highlighting the seriousness of the problem, it also goes some way towards showing how to address it.

Gary Craig
Professor of Social Justice, University of Hull

Young Children and Racial Justice, is a key text to inform and promote discussion about equality for all children and families. It offers a range of thought -provoking examples set in a legal, policy and social context, it is essential reading for students, practitioners and managers in early childhood services.

The text discusses current examples from contemporary society in an open and honest way, raising an awareness of the subtle ways in which inequality is perpetuated. Using a wide range of real-life case studies, Jane Lane encourages the readers to reflect and challenge themselves by considering their own personal and professional impact

This book is relevant to all practitioners involved in early childhood services from National Vocational Qualification to post-graduate professional development and communities of practice.

Sue Webster
Teaching fellow, University of Warwick
Facilitator, National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership

This is possibly the most comprehensive guide to racial equality in early years in the UK and will be an invaluable resource for everyone in the sector - from policy makers to practitioners to trainers. It is thoroughly researched, gives food for thought and points for action - a most welcome and much needed addition in early years' literature.

Haki Kapasi
Director, Inspire Consultancy Ltd

This book presents a 'mine' of information on racial equality in early years. The book has clearly presented information, with supporting case studies and points for thought and discussion. Thought provoking and thoroughly informative.

Dr Chandrika Devarakonda
University of Chester

This is an excellent, well-written and long-awaited text. A must for students and early years practitioners alike.

Jools Page
University of Sheffield

This impressive tome is clearly the product of many years' hard work and dedication to this area of concern. It seems truly comprehensive on first reading and has left me with no gaping omissions or oversights to report. I would say it is accessible to all in approach and style of writing while at the same time rigorously researched and referenced. It is full of useful information, ideas and strategies for dealing with discriminatory practice and creating spaces where openness and acceptance underpin everyday thinking and practice.

Every politician, local councillor, chair of governors, headteacher, setting manager and practitioner (to mention but a few) should have a copy of this book. The values of equality and fairness, as illustrated so effectively in this publication are essential ingredients to any self-respecting person or environment that is connected with young children.

The essence of this book seems to me to be about making the unfamiliar familiar in a caring sensitive way, by helping people to understand what it is that makes us feel good about ourselves and each other.

Rosaleen Joyce
Early years outdoor learning consultant

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