Why should we embrace diversity and inclusion in our schools?
We should do this work to create a better more equal society, where all people, no matter what the colour of their skin, can achieve their full potential and live a rewarding life where they feel fully a part of the society in which they live.
In order to achieve this, some work needs to be done in schools, starting with the youngest children and working up to ensure that they can all 'see themselves' represented within their school. Also, we want our children to have the confidence going forward to all believe that they can be whatever they want to be in life.
We will focus in on embedding a more inclusive curriculum into the very fabric of our schools, to better equip our children for the society of tomorrow. Teachers and children need to have a good understanding of our how our modern multicultural society has come into being. They will benefit from an awareness of our inter-connectedness due to the legacy of Britain's former Empire for example. Britain's history with the rest of the world is inextricably linked, as they used to say, 'the sun never set on the British Empire'. We should start the conversation about this in our schools and not let it be a 'hidden history' anymore.
Ofsted says...
“No matter what type of school they attend, it is important that all children leave with an understanding of the world they are growing up in, having learned how to live alongside, and show respect for, a diverse range of people. When we inspect schools, we assess how well they equip children to do this.” - Ofsted, September 2020.
The current Ofsted framework (2019) includes a separate ‘Equality, diversity and inclusion statement’ and places a duty on inspectors to assess how far schools are compliant with equalities legislation.
The Equalities Act 2010
All institutions, including schools have a duty of care to make sure that they are protecting all 'protected characteristics' of which race is one.
The UNESCO Framework for Global Citizenship Education (2018)
This provides an overarching approach to classroom practice that encourages children to see themselves as a Global Citizen. It gives them a chance to reflect on their roles and responsibilities regarding issues of equality and justice in human development, on an individual, local and global level.