Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)
We want to develop a school community that respects, values and celebrates difference.
To help us achieve this, we are in the process of developing our Respect curriculum, which incorporates the Relationships and Health Education (RHE), Zones of Regulation (ZR), and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) curricula.
Respect lessons will be taught weekly in each year group, in addition to assemblies and weekly circle times, which are used to expand on the learning that week, develop bonds and relationships, as well as an opportunity to discuss any worries or incidents that may have occurred that day.
In addition to our Respect curriculum, we have reviewed how we explicitly and implicitly expose our children to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) through our use of resources, books, displays and teaching content and materials. This has resulted in us replenishing our entire book stock throughout school, including the phonics books children take home and the stories they have access to in the classroom, to ensure the content and exposure is representative of modern society.
Assembly Book Examples
These images, from our assembly book, capture our children’s reflections and thoughts, inspired by assemblies where we explore celebrations, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Belonging Ambassadors
Our Belonging Ambassadors are a team of pupils from Years 4 and 5, appointed in April 2025, who help promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) across the school. They meet monthly to share ideas, support their peers and help make our school a welcoming and inclusive place for all.
They aim to work towards our School Equality Objective 1: We want our school to be a kind and happy place where everyone feels safe and special.
Meet the Team
Reading and DEIB
At our school, we believe that books are a powerful way to help children feel seen, understood and connected to the world around them. As part of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), we have introduced special stickers on some of the books children may read in school or bring home.
What Do the Stickers Mean?
These stickers link to the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act – the things that make each person unique and valued.
The stickers help highlight stories that celebrate diversity, promote inclusion and support our commitment to ensuring every child feels seen, respected and that they belong.
These books act as both mirrors and windows:
- Mirrors reflect a child's own experiences. They help children see themselves in the stories they read, perhaps identifying with a character, family, culture or situation. This builds confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.
- Windows offer a view into the lives, perspectives and experiences of others. They give children the opportunity to learn about the world beyond their own, encouraging empathy, understanding and respect.
Books may have a general sticker to highlight that they include DEIB themes or a specific sticker to indicate that they explore particular topics such as:
Sex and Gender
Stories about boys, girls and people who may not identify with these labels – all doing brilliant and inspiring things.
Disability
Characters who may have physical or learning differences, showing resilience, strength and determination.
Race and Ethnicity
Books that celebrate different cultures, traditions and experiences from around the world.
Family Life
Stories that reflect a variety of family structures, such as single-parent families, adoptive families or families with two mums or two dads.
Religion and Belief
Books that explore different religions, celebrations and traditions.
These books are for everyone to enjoy. The stickers simply highlight that the story includes one or more meaningful themes that support inclusion and representation.
The Protected Characteristics
At our school, we are committed to making sure every child feels safe, respected and included. As part of our duty under the Equality Act 2010, all schools in the UK are required to teach children about the protected characteristics in an age-appropriate way.
These protected characteristics include things like race, religion, disability, gender and family structure. Teaching about them helps children understand that everyone is different and that these differences should be respected.
We explore these ideas through our RSHE curriculum, as well as through stories, class discussions, assemblies and by embracing the diversity within our school and wider community. These approaches help children develop empathy, confidence and respect for others.
By learning about kindness, equity and inclusion from a young age, children grow up knowing that everyone deserves to be treated with respect - no matter who they are. This helps us create a positive, supportive school community where everyone can thrive.
Our Belonging Ambassadors have made a film to explain what the Protected Characteristics are and why they are important.