Black History Month at Rachel Keeling

We are so lucky at Rachel Keeling to have a beautifully diverse community from all over the world.  We value our families and friends and recognise that there is more that unites us than separate us.  Every day we aim to ensure our children feel valued, represented and develop a sense of self-confidence in who they are. Across the year we develop children's resilience, confidence, independence and language through a range of meaningful, first hand experiences.  We share stories and cook food from around the world and celebrate the seasons and festivals of the year.  We also welcome visitors into the nursery to celebrate music, dance and theatre.
In October, we mark Black History Month as we recognise the incredible contribution that people with African and Caribbean heritage have made to British society: art, culture, cuisine, medicine, music and the hard work the Windrush Generation contributed in the face of hostility and racism.
We at Rachel Keeling we are reflective in our practice and provision and try to avoid stereotypes about culture and religion every day, not just in October. 

In January all teaching staff are going to a conference to hear Liz Pemberton speak: Liz is an anti-racist trainer and speaker. She has a background in early years education and we are very excited to be listening to her speak. 
We hope that this will support us in our anti-racist work and challenge us to do even better.
Some parents have kindly offered their time and skills to come in and cook with us. 
Malik's mum is from Somalia and she made kimis, a Somali flatbread, with the children.
Fatima's mum is also from Somalia and she made injera, an Ethiopian flatbread, with the children. 
Khadija's mum came back to visit (as Khadija is in primary school now) and she showed children how to plait hair and many friends had their hair plaited.
We have also enjoyed Iroko Theatre Group and their beautifully, uplifting drumming sessions. Children and staff enjoyed feeling the joy, the rhythm and energy from their songs.
​A fully sensory experience!
If you would like to come in and spend a session with the children and share something, please speak to your child's key person.