Equality & Diversity

At Bishop Ridley, we are committed to advancing equality and promoting respect for difference and diversity through our vision, ethos and values.

One Community – As “One Community”, we understand that we are all different, and all equal. In our school, we believe that it is key for children to develop a respect for those that are different to them in order to build the one global community we strive for.
Learning and growing together – We understand that many equality and diversity issues are sensitive. As part of “Learning and Growing Together”, we approach this on two levels: firstly, a level that models education being the key way to break barriers and build understanding and, secondly, a level that recognises the conscious and unconscious bias of us all and its impact on achieving a truly inclusive world.
Sharing the love of God – We understand that equality and diversity is rooted in the theology of ‘Understanding Christianity’. Through key themes, such as Creation and Fall, we know that humans are made in the image of God, everyone is unique and wonderfully made, but all make mistakes. Christians believe that it is through God that we can be united in love.

One Community Team

During 2023, we launched our One Community Team. This is a group made up of pupil representatives from across KS2. Their aim is to ensure that the school is free from bullying of any type. Children volunteered and were subsequently elected to be on the team.

The team meets with the Head Teacher and members of the Equality & Diversity Forum (see below) to plan actions and events to promote a fair and inclusive school in line with our school vision of

"One Community, Learning & Growing Together, Sharing the Love of God".

Equality & Diversity Forum

The school invites members of the school community (parents/carers of children in the school, staff, governors and members of the Bishop Ridley Church) to share ideas and support the school in achieving its aims through our Equality & Diversity Forum.

The forum meets approximately once a term and discusses a wide variety of topics linked to equality, diversity and inclusion. We are always looking to broaden membership and ensure that it is broad and representative of the school community.

If you are interested in attending the forum, please contact the school office for more information.

Recent work within the forum has included:

Plans for the school's Equality & Diversity Week
Plans for whole staff Equality & Diversity training
A review of school library books
Review of the PSHE & RSE Curriculum
Meeting with the school SENDCo to better understand SEND across the school
Work alongside the "One Community Team"

Policy Documents

The School's Equality (including Equal Opportunities) & Diversity Policies can be found on our "Policies" page.

Policies

Useful Resources for Parents/Carers

Please be aware that these resources are not controlled by the school and should be reviewed carefully before using:

Inclusive Books book list (BookTrust)

A curated list of children’s books showing diversity in race, disability, culture and more. Good starting point for finding reading matter that reflects the real world.

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/book-recommendations/booklists/inclusive-books/

Diverse Families Book Pack (YPO)

Four stories where characters come from different family structures: single parents, same-sex parents, blended families. Great for showing that families vary but love and respect matter.

https://www.ypo.co.uk/product/detail/diverse-families-book-pack-of-4/427344

All You Need Is Love Book

Rhyming stories celebrating diversity of families (race, disability, gender, illness etc.). Very accessible for younger children

https://www.ypo.co.uk/product/detail/all-you-need-is-love-book/520100

First Questions and Answers: What is racism? By: Katie Daynes, Jordan Akpojaro

Answering young children's questions about racism is hard. This book gives both children and adults the language and sensitivity they need to talk about the topic. It gently explains what racism is, how it happens, why it is NEVER acceptable and what each and every one of us can do to eradicate it.

https://usborne.com/gb/first-questions-and-answers-what-is-racism-9781474995795

Diverse Educators – DEIB for Parents’ and Carers Toolkit

A toolkit specifically aimed at parents/carers: helps with having conversations about identity, inclusion, equality, belonging. Includes reading, prompts, thinking points. This resource is a live website and content may change and may not all be suitable for primary age children.

https://www.thebelongingeffect.co.uk/deib-for-parents-and-carers-toolkit/