Between 10 and 14 November we’ll be hosting events and sharing good practice to celebrate our first ever early years and childcare learning week. This event is part of the learning week.
You can see the full programme of events here.
In this session, we'll explore anti-racism in the childcare sector, drawing on both personal and professional experiences. We'll look at how discrimination can show up in subtle and obvious ways in early years settings, and how we can create environments where every child feels valued, safe, and included.
The playwork principles and core values emphasise the need to remove barriers to participation by upholding every child’s right to play and valuing the diversity of children’s cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. We'll share real-life examples, practical strategies, and creative ideas that you can adapt for your own childcare setting. We'll discuss challenges, reflect on our practice, and work on promoting fairness, respect, and belonging for all children and families.
Speakers
Sarah Sharpe
Sarah is a dedicated childminder based in the Vale of Glamorgan, with a strong passion for creating inclusive, nurturing environments for young children. Sarah holds a Foundation Degree in Child Care Learning and Development and is proud to be both Schema Play accredited and Hygge in the early years accredited. In May 2025, Sarah was honoured to receive the WeCare Wales Accolades award, recognising the impact of her work in early years education.
Married with two adult children, Sarah brings both personal and professional experience to her role. After completing the DARPL (Diversity and Anti-Racist Professional Learning) enhanced leadership series, Sarah took meaningful steps to enhance her setting. Sarah introduced Tirion, a gender-neutral teddy bear with a cochlear implant, to help children celebrate differences. She also placed a stronger emphasis on feelings and well-being. These changes were recognised during a CIW inspection, where Sarah was described as a “childminder transforming early years education” and recognised as practice worth sharing on their website.
Sarah hopes to give inspiration and practical ideas to support others in developing an anti-racist approach in their own settings, helping to build a fairer future for all children.
Dawn Bunn, National Training Manager, Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs
Dawn has worked with children since the age of 16, gaining experience across a wide range of roles with children aged nought to 12. Although playwork wasn’t her original career path, after working at a holiday club where her mother worked, helping to meet staffing ratios, she’s never looked back.
In her current role, she focuses on promoting and leading playwork training across Wales. She also contributes to anti-racist training in the sector, as part of the work of CWLWM partners. She’s passionate about building a more inclusive Wales and understands its importance not only for children and playworkers, but for the wider community as well.