Books are often seen as a straightforward way to promote equality, diversity and inclusion. They can support children’s sense of identity and belonging while broadening their understanding of the world and the people around them. But representation on a shelf is not the same as representation children notice, choose and return to, and finding time to look honestly at your book provision as a team can be a challenge.
This staff meeting template, created by the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub, gives you everything you need to facilitate a focused, practical session with your team in 1 to 2 hours. Through five activities, your team will rank the purposes books serve in your setting, view your book areas through the eyes of different children in your cohort, work through a case study exploring what representation really means, and consider how the books you choose sit alongside what you know about children’s interests and stage of development. The session ends with each team member sharing one small, achievable commitment to strengthen children’s sense of belonging through the books you share, along with follow-up prompts to take the thinking further.
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