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Toolkit for Diversity - Primary

Primary Toolkit for Diversity [pdf / 8.24MB] In both parts of Ireland primary education faces the challenge and opportunity of integrating increasing numbers of pupils whose mother tongue is neither English nor Irish. The two jurisdictions have adopted different approaches to the development of such pupils' proficiency in English as the language of education. The whole island faces the challenge of creating an inclusive primary school culture: one that not only welcomes children whose language is not English, and whose culture and ethnicity are not Irish, but turns linguistic, cultural and ethnic diversity to the educational advantage of all. This book is a contribution to that essential process.

The toolkit has four sections.

Getting ready

This section addresses the preliminary issues involved in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomer pupils and their parents.

Early days

This section is concerned with the first steps towards the integration of pupils from other countries, cultures and ethnicities during the first weeks and months.

Moving On

This section is concerned with ongoing provision for pupils in the primary school setting, including language development, monitoring and assessing progress and celebrating diversity.

What next?

This section considers planning for inclusion and diversity which includes auditing of current practice, action planning for priority areas of development and staff training needs.

It is recommended that teachers familiarise themselves with the general content and layout of the toolkit as any section may be relevant at one time or another.