The environment of prejudice and discrimination will have a very negative impact on children. Depending on how long it goes on for, the child’s learning will suffer. They will not want to join in any activities, as this would draw attention to themselves, feel part of the class and won’t settle and be happy. So academically their progress will suffer, which is totally wrong as every child has the right to learn and be happy at school.
Discrimination and prejudice can have a long term impact on any child. They will start to withdraw socially and physical or behavioural problems may occur. If a child has been discriminated against they will feel like they are not valued or worthy and begin to lose confidence in themselves and as a result relationships with adults and their peers will begin to breakdown.
Their home life may not be the same as their constantly thinking about the day they have had at school or dreading going to school the next day. They may develop physical and sleep problems. Children that are discriminated against may feel as if this behaviour is accepted and start to discriminate against others.
Discrimination can lead to depression which is very serious as this could result in suicide, so it must be dealt with accordingly and Pelham Primary School has a zero tolerance (the same as bullying) to any kind of prejudice and discrimination and severe punishment will be handed out.
Some children that are discriminated against turn it in to a positive as they learn things about themselves they never knew. It can also make a person stronger.
As a Teaching Assistant it is my role to be aware of any prejudice and discrimination, and deal with it accordingly