Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Sandringham School
Sandringham School is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as defined within the Equality Act (2010).
The Act requires that, in carrying out their functions, public bodies are required to have due regard to the need to:
- Eliminate discrimination and other conduct that is prohibited by the Act;
- Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a Protected Characteristic and people who do not share it;
- Foster good relations across all characteristics – between people who share a Protected Characteristic and people who do not share it.
The Act’s ten ‘protected characteristics’ includes:
- Age
- Disability
- Race & Ethnicity
- Pregnancy, Maternity & Paternity
- Sex
- Sexual Orientation
- Gender Identity & Reassignment
- Religion or Beliefs
- Marriage & Civil Partnership
Aims and Values
Sandringham School aims to provide inclusivity, representation and equal opportunities for all students, staff and governors. Through providing a rich and diverse curriculum which allows students to be exposed to new and different voices and perspectives, we strive to ensure all students feel represented in their learning. Sandringham School’s goal is to prepare all students to become confident and respectful citizens who can positively contribute to our school community and beyond. We strive to ensure that everyone can fully participate in school life and promote the highest possible standards of achievement, enjoyment, and fulfilment, aims aligned to our school motto that: Everybody can be Somebody.
Our DEI strategic aims are that
- The curriculum at Sandringham is diverse and decolonised, with equity, diversity and inclusion visible across all subjects and key stages.
- CPD is tailored to the school, ensuring that all colleagues are confident and effective in engaging with issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion; which then impacts curriculum, teaching and learning.
- Recruitment at Sandringham positively encourages those of different backgrounds to apply for roles at all levels, including governance. Mentoring and coaching for promotion is offered to those from less represented groups.
Our Approach to Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The DEI Policy alongside the trust’s Single Equality Policy provides a framework through which we can fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment, promote equal opportunities, and foster positive relations and attitudes among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The principles outlined in this policy apply to all members of the extended school community, including students, staff, governors, parents, and community members.
To foster a cohesive community, our school aims to
- Promote understanding and engagement between communities
- Encourage all children and families to feel part of the wider community
- Address discrimination
- Expand life opportunities for all
- Ensure that learning, teaching, and the curriculum explore and address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion
- Create an inclusive environment for all within the school
Roles and Responsibilities
School governors are responsible for:
- Ensuring compliance with current equality legislation
- Ensuring adherence to this policy and its procedures
The Headteacher and DEI leads are responsible for:
- Ensuring the availability and awareness of the policy among governors, staff, parents, and carers
- Overseeing the implementation of the policy and its procedures
- Providing regular information on the policy’s effectiveness to staff and governors
- Providing necessary training on the policy
- Ensuring that all staff understand their responsibilities and receive training and support
- Taking appropriate action in cases of harassment and discrimination
All school staff members are responsible for:
- Modelling good practice, addressing discriminatory incidents, and recognising and addressing bias and stereotyping
DEI work at Sandringham School
Sandringham School has been a part of the Great Representations Program run by Herts for Learning, which has been a working group for developing race equity in schools across Hertfordshire. This has seen us work closely with a number of member schools in the Hertfordshire area to share good practice in promoting race equity.
As part of our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion we have developed a group of staff who are DEI Champions and work to support the protected characteristics. These champions are shared across the school to allow staff and students to approach them should they need support or help in any area of DEI. The work of the champions is important to Sandringham because it creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, enhances learning opportunities, showcases exemplary practices, promotes cultural cohesion and global awareness and contributes to a positive school experience every day.
We have developed a GSA (Gender and Sexual Identity Alliance) which is a group initiated and run by students. The purpose is to establish a safe and inclusive atmosphere for all at Sandringham, irrespective of their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. The GSA creates a safe space for students who identify with the LGBTQ+ community, as well as those who are perceived as LGTBQ by others, whilst also offering a space for allies and those exploring their own identities.
We have a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Student Leadership Team who work alongside staff to develop DEI within the school. This includes co-creation and delivery of assemblies; providing feedback on curriculum, teaching and learning; as well as working on a student language guide to support students in identifying inclusive, supportive and appropriate terminology for everyday use.