Equality and Diversity at Riverside

At Riverside the staff and children all enjoy joining in with our heartfelt motto,

‘We’re all different, we’re all wonderful.’

We are passionate about celebrating difference. We want our children to have open hearts and minds when discovering new ideas and ways of thinking. As staff we are committed to developing our own knowledge and understanding; and promoting equality and diversity across the school through our policies and practice.  This is an ongoing priority.

 

We fully embrace Maya Angelou’s quote.

‘In diversity there is beauty and there is strength’

Each term we read the one of the ‘Five Favourite’ storybooks recommended by Ruth Miskin Training. These storybooks have been specifically chosen to increase the diversity of characters and experiences narrated in story books.

These books enhance our understanding of ‘wonderful and different’. They are beautifully written stories with exquisite illustrations.  They give our children windows into the lives of others and hold up mirrors for all to be truly seen and celebrated. We invest in the stories, bringing them to life within our school communities.

The impact of reading and discussing these stories has been huge! Children from Reception to Year 6 can talk about Windows and Mirrors and why we celebrate difference.


In this film clip, our children express how they feel about two of our stories, ‘I Talk Like a River’ and ‘Eyes that Kiss in the Corner.’ We love how much empathy and understanding they show.

Children at Riverside Primary tell us how important diverse stories are to them.

Articulate, powerful, moving.

All children see themselves in stories. All children are seen.

Ruth Miskin Training - Twitter

Diversity team at Riverside

 

Mrs Rice-Oxley

Diversity Lead

Mrs Benson

SENDCO

Mr Kenwright

MFL Lead

Mrs Elson

RE Lead

Mrs Whitehead

PSHE Lead

 

The Inclusion and Diversity team at Riverside consists of Mrs Rice Oxley (Diversity Lead), Mrs Benson (SENDCO), Mr Kenwright (MFL Lead), Mrs Elson (RE Lead) and Mrs Whitehead (PSHE Lead).

Our policy for equality and diversity over-arches all our work. Staff, children, parents and visitors are expected to uphold our beliefs around equality and have a respect for the diversity we find in our community and in the wider world.

Equality and Diversity Policy

Here is an ‘easy read’ version of the Equality Act 2010

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/85012/easy-read.pdf

Equality means everyone having the same chances to do what they can. This may mean giving some people extra help.

The Equality Act 2010 provides a single, consolidated source of discrimination law, covering all the types of discrimination that are unlawful. It simplifies the law by removing anomalies and inconsistencies that had developed over time in the existing legislation, and it extends the protection from discrimination in certain areas.

Schools cannot unlawfully discriminate against pupils or any member of the school and wider community in relation to the ‘protected characteristics.

Everyone in Britain is protected by the act. The ‘protected characteristics’ under the act are (in alphabetical order):
Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race
Religion and belief
Sex
Sexual orientation

At Riverside we believe in treating everyone with respect and fairness. Children, parents and staff are all part of our school community and, as such, are valued for their differences and the contributions they make to school life. Our school behaviour, anti bullying policies and dignity at work policies extend across the community to ensure that everyone is protected.

Please take the time to read our SEND Offer and Inclusion SEND policy which outlines the ways in which we support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. We welcome the involvement of parents and carers in decision making and we want to work closely with them so that our pupils can always give nothing but the best!

Our Equalities Objectives

  • To provide a curriculum which promotes the whole school ethos of inclusion and equality for the whole school community;

  • To ensure that all children have equal access to the curriculum and are able to achieve the best possible outcomes;

  • To provide a quality learning experience for each child in which all adults actively promote equality, inclusion and a celebration of diversity.

  • To protect the well-being of all pupils by challenging any non-inclusive views held by anyone within the school and wider community.

Mrs Rice-Oxley

Diversity Lead