Bronze Diversity Award

The Village School has been awarded the Diversity Mark Bronze Award. 

Over the last year, we have been reviewing our practice and decided to join forces with Learning Workz to review, assess and evaluate equality and diversity in our provision. Just before the Covid-19 lockdown, we had the first assessment of our provision and here is a snippet of our feedback.

 

On arriving at The Village School the assessor felt warmly accepted into the school community. The Village demonstrated evidence of processes to monitor attainment and clear action plans which promoted progress across the curriculum. The Head Teacher has clear safeguarding guidelines in place for all pupils, providing a secure environment for learning. The Village School embraces mutual respect and tolerance educated through different cultural events and awareness sessions. 

   Specifically identified were the diverse events being held at The Village School, including food-based events which were attended and assisted by parents and other volunteers, this is a very positive and inclusive approach to understanding other cultures and promoting integration. Students were encouraged to be involved in the choices of food at the school, through student voice and school council, again encouraging ways to influence change, building pupil confidence and leadership skills

  The Village School have invested in a wide range of innovative initiatives as part of the school’s curriculum, including inviting guest speakers to talk about their country of origin and traditions to raise awareness of diverse cultures through ‘My world in a Day’ talks.    

  There is a wide-ranging community involvement at The Village School, with the local community and parent involvement in school initiatives; welcoming challenges and helping to review and improve continuously. They have also engaged with local businesses, developing partnerships with the likes of Asda and Morrisons, who have been supporting through voucher schemes, helping develop life skills of pupils, and raising their own awareness of disability inclusion.

  The School in accordance with the “Diversity Mark for Schools” framework, showed professionalism, enthusiasm and demonstrated knowledge of the importance and value of equality, diversity and inclusion. This school has a strong vision and a commitment to equality and this was evident across the whole school setting, from pupils, teachers and leadership. The school has demonstrated sufficient evidence for a Bronze level.   

  The evidence submitted demonstrated strong evidence of an inclusive school. The lead assessor noted that the
the school showed a whole school commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the school showed a commitment in
relation to equality of opportunity that went beyond a tick box exercise.

 

As a result, I would like to thank all of the staff at The Village School for their marvellous efforts and continual collaborative approach to teaching and learning across the school. I would also like to thank the students for their contribution, both in meeting with the assessor and providing the display of work and warm environment for this to take place. Also a huge thanks to all the parents whose support we cannot do without!

Congratulations!!!!

 

We now work towards the Silver Award!