Diversity and inclusion

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Ark Blacklands Primary Academy are proud to promote and celebrate the different backgrounds and beliefs that our pupils encounter on a daily basis. Mutual respect is implicit in our aims and ethos. Our pupils know and understand that they are expected to show respect to everyone, whatever differences we may have, and to everything, whether it is a school resource or a religious belief.

Children learn that their behaviour choices have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community should treat each other with respect. Sadly, no school can guarantee that there will never be instances which are contrary to this value. At Ark Blacklands, such instances are rare and are treated seriously.

Pupils have access to different ways of reporting prejudice-related incidents. Throughout school we have worry monsters or boxes with forms children can fill in if they do not want to tell an adult face to face. We have worry monsters or boxes within each classroom.

Should parents or carers have concerns or wish to report a prejudice-related incident, they can contact the school office on info@arkblacklandsprimary.org or ask to speak with our Pastoral Manager, Mrs Cook. 

At Blacklands, we are committed to ensuring equality of education and opportunity for all pupils, staff, parents and carers receiving services from the school, irrespective of race, gender, sexuality, disability, faith or religion or socio-economic background. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and able to participate fully in school life.

The achievement of pupils will be monitored by race, gender and disability and we will use this data to support pupils, raise standards and ensure inclusive teaching. We will tackle discrimination by the positive promotion of equality, challenging bullying and stereotypes and creating an environment which champions respect for all. At Blacklands, we believe that diversity is a strength, which should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit here.

Equalities work with different organisations

We want to prepare and teach our children about the diverse community within the United Kingdom. In order to do this, Ark Blacklands are working with external organisations to ensure that we are providing our children with the best resources and learning opportunities.

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EqualiTeach is a nationwide equality and diversity organisation who work with different organisations and schools. Their work is centered on inspriring and empowering people to create equal, diverse and inclusive environments where everyone feels safe, valued and able to succeed. At Blacklands we are currently working towards achieving the Silver equalities award. Part of our criteria to obtain this award will be to ensure that our curriculum teachers about different genders, ethnicities, religions as well as people from the LGBTQ+ community.

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Ark Blacklands is committed to providing a fully accessible environment, which values and includes all pupils, staff, parents and visitors regardless of their education, physical, sensory, social, spiritual, emotional and cultural needs. We are committed to challenging negative attitudes about disability and accessibility, and to developing a culture of awareness, tolerance and inclusion.

Click here for more details on our school's physical accessibility.

You can read about how our school curriculum caters to SEND learners here.

We reflect and represent diverse perspectives throughout our curriculum through our choice of topics, reading materials and trips out into the community. 

Specific examples of how we enhance pupils' understanding and respect for different faiths and beliefs include:

• Through religious education and other lessons where we might learn about other cultures – for example in English through fiction and in art when we consider cultures from other parts of the world.
• In depth study during community themed weeks, where we celebrate and enjoy learning about the differences between countries and cultures around the world.

We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger, more connected and enhance our pupils' education.

Ark is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.