Celebrating Diversity and Promoting Inclusion in Our Richly Diverse Community

At our school, we take great pride in fostering an inclusive culture where every child is valued, and both identity and individuality are celebrated. We are fortunate to belong to a vibrant community with over 35 different first languages and families with roots spanning the globe.

Our children thrive in this dynamic environment, learning to appreciate their own cultural backgrounds and beliefs while developing respect for those of others. We actively promote self-worth through a variety of initiatives, including our PSHE curriculum, assemblies, circle time, and assertive discipline practices—where positive behaviors are consistently acknowledged and rewarded. Additionally, we use Thinking School strategies to encourage reflection and personal growth.

One of the most remarkable aspects of our school is the universal connection children form through play. Every day, we see how children from diverse backgrounds, including those who join us with little or no English, quickly build relationships through this shared experience. It’s a reminder of the universal nature of childhood, transcending language and cultural barriers.

A Community of Many Faiths: Embracing Diversity and Reflection

As a non-denominational school, we are proud to be a community that includes a rich diversity of faiths. Our students delight in learning about different beliefs while also reflecting on their own values and faith. They actively engage in the joy of celebrating a variety of religious festivals and traditions, enriching their understanding of the world around them.

Through our Thinking School approach, children are encouraged to share and discuss their views in a safe and respectful environment. Our Habits of Mind foster important qualities such as empathy, flexible thinking, and a sense of awe and wonder. This creates a space where students can listen, reflect, and respond thoughtfully. Our children excel in this, showing exceptional maturity and respect in their conversations.

Celebrating Our Diverse Community Every Day

At our school, we proudly celebrate the richness of our diverse community through a variety of initiatives and events:

• Annual Cultural Day: We are delighted to host the local Muslim community, who present assemblies, bring artefacts, share traditional clothes, and treat us to delicious food, offering a unique insight into their culture.

• World Map of Heritage: Our world map highlights the diverse heritage and roots of our students, fostering a sense of pride and unity.

• Black History Month: We dedicate time to celebrate the achievements of Black individuals, acknowledge the injustices of the past, and emphasise the importance of learning from history through whole-school projects.

• Celebrating Languages: We honour the diverse languages spoken by our students with posters and flags, showcasing the beauty of multilingualism.

• Reading in First Languages: Children who speak languages other than English are invited to read to the class in their own language, sharing their text and offering insights where possible.

• Celebrating Experiences: We invite parents and community members to share their stories, music, drama, and other cultural experiences, enriching our learning environment.

• Anti-Bullying Fortnight: During this time, we hold workshops and assemblies that reinforce our zero-tolerance stance on bullying and encourage children to speak up, with the assurance that their voices will be heard.

• NSPCC Workshops and Assemblies: We collaborate with the NSPCC to educate our children on safeguarding and emotional well-being.

• Online Safety Training: Staff receive regular training to identify potential risks to children online, followed by lessons in class to equip students with the knowledge to stay safe.

• Jigsaw PSHE Curriculum: Our PSHE curriculum includes themes such as identity, racism, bullying (including cyberbullying), and other key areas such as relationships and sex education.

• Christmas and Easter Celebrations: We celebrate these traditional festivals as part of the cultural heritage of Richmond and the wider UK.

• Protecting Against Extremist Views: We actively protect our children from extremist ideologies and ensure that they understand the importance of tolerance and respect.

• Open Door Policy: We encourage parents and carers to engage with us—if you have concerns or questions, we are always here to listen.

We are proud to be an anti-racist school, and we stand by our pledge to create an environment where every individual is respected and valued.