School celebrates its diversity with handmade dolls

1 hour ago

Shariqua AhmedPeterborough

News image — The presechool said it wants to ensure the backgrounds of pupils are embedded in everyday practice, rather than only on special occasions

St John's Preschool Six colourful wooden dolls representing different cultures. — The presechool said it wants to ensure the backgrounds of pupils are embedded in everyday practice, rather than only on special occasions

A city preschool said it has been championing inclusion by creating handmade dolls to reflect the diversity of its pupils.

St John's Preschool in Stanground, Peterborough, said it teaches children from families from a range of countries including Pakistan, Nigeria, Lithuania and Kuwait, as well as the traveller community.

The school said about 10% of its pupils have special educational needs and disabilities and staff wanted every child to feel included and represented in learning and play.

Parent Michelle Catt said: "The preschool has gone over and above to make my child feel welcomed and included. The introduction of a doll that she can relate to is priceless."

The wooden dolls were each handcrafted by a member of staff in their own time - a process they said was therapeutic.

Parent Zoya Latif said: "It ensures that children from similar backgrounds feel comfortable, represented, and able to relate to the materials and books used at the preschool.

"This level of care and understanding makes a real difference."

Jayne Lewis, who works in the preschool located on Chapel Street, said: "It's really good to work in a setting that allows the children the experiences that open up their individual worlds and understand that we are all different, but are all equal."

Positive response

St John's preschool Three dolls lying on a carpet. Two of the dolls are black and another doll is white and has Down syndrome. — The school in Stanground said it gradually introduced dolls, fabrics, books and other resources that reflected the children attending the setting

Emma Statham, the preschool's manager, said the children had responded "positively" to the dolls.

"'It looks like my mommy', one of the children said. One child with Down syndrome immediately chose the Down syndrome doll - cuddling it and gently stroking its hair with a big smile on her face.

"Children from the represented home countries have also recognised the dolls that reflect their own cultures," she added.

"We aim to support children in developing respect for and celebrating differences, as we believe this will help them grow into well-rounded, caring and understanding citizens of the future.

"We believe that if children can learn from an early age to respect, show interest in and celebrate their friends, there is real hope for a more inclusive future," Stratham said.

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